Raphinha on fire: Barcelona's Brazilian star threatening to upstage everyone again
After starring in last year's Supercopa final and shining against Athletic in the semis, Barcelona's Raphinha is hitting peak form just in time for another Madrid showdown.
Barcelona’s Brazilian magician is hitting top gear at exactly the right moment, with Real Madrid firmly in his sights.
Last year’s Supercopa hero
Cast your mind back to last season’s Supercopa de España final and you might remember a certain Brazilian absolutely running the show. Raphinha was simply on another planet that night, eclipsing everyone else on the pitch - including wonderkid Lamine Yamal and even Kylian Mbappé.
The numbers tell the story: two goals, one assist, and the official MVP award selected by Luis de la Fuente’s technical team. For many Barça supporters, it remains one of his most memorable performances in the blaugrana shirt.
History repeating?
Fast forward to this week, and our boy seems to be developing quite the love affair with this competition. Wednesday’s semi-final against Athletic Club was another masterclass from the Brazilian:
- Two goals tucked away with typical flair
- A crucial assist for Fermín López’s goal
- A standing ovation from the King Abdullah Stadium crowd when subbed off on 65 minutes
Talk about perfect timing! The former Leeds man is hitting form just as Barcelona prepare to face their eternal rivals in Sunday’s final.
Flick’s main man
After spending a month and a half on the treatment table with a thigh injury, Raphinha has returned to become absolutely crucial to Hansi Flick’s plans. The German gaffer clearly rates him for more than just his technical ability - his character and commitment have made him untouchable in the starting XI.
The numbers this season are proper tasty: nine goals and four assists in just 16 appearances across all competitions. That’s the kind of return that has the Barça faithful purring.
With five trophies already in his locker since arriving at Camp Nou (two La Ligas, one Copa del Rey and two Supercopas), Raphinha’s looking to add another piece of silverware this Sunday. Based on current form, you wouldn’t bet against him being the difference-maker again.
If Madrid weren’t already having nightmares about facing him, they should be now. This lad’s on fire, and that’s no word of a lie.