The return of Brazilian forward Raphinha from a hamstring injury has provided the crucial spark for Barcelona, edging the Catalan giants back towards their scintillating best form and helping them reclaim top spot in La Liga. His influence will be vital as coach Hansi Flick's team faces a tricky trip to face Real Betis on Saturday, aiming to move four points clear of rivals Real Madrid, at least temporarily.
The Engine of Barcelona's Revival
Raphinha marked his first start since September with a goal against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday and created two in the win over Alaves last weekend. His direct impact has been immediate and profound, offering Barcelona the dynamism they had been missing. Last season, he was instrumental in the club's domestic double, contributing an impressive 34 goals and 26 assists across 57 appearances in all competitions.
Despite those staggering numbers, the winger could only finish fifth in the Ballon d'Or rankings—a snub that clearly irked him, as seen in his social media activity highlighting his achievements. Interestingly, he found an unlikely ally in Atletico Madrid's defeated coach, Diego Simeone. "Raphinha plays all over the pitch… he scores, he presses. I don't know how he didn't win the Ballon d'Or," Simeone admitted after the match.
More Than Just Goals: The 'Annoying' Leader
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is unequivocal about the 28-year-old's value. "When he's on the pitch, he increases the dynamic level and the intensity," Flick enthused. "Everyone is affected by that. You can see it on the pitch. Also, the positive things he gave us today was so amazing and so important."
Raphinha's contribution extends far beyond goals and assists. He has emerged as an on-pitch leader, relentlessly pressing opponents and demanding the same intensity from his teammates. This is a vital component in Flick's system, designed to protect Barcelona's high defensive line. The Brazilian himself acknowledges his demanding nature. "I often feel like I'm being a bit pushy, too much," Raphinha said last week. "There are many times my team-mates think I talk too much, that I'm annoying, and that I demand too much from them, but that's just who I am."
He added, "I demand more from people who I know can give much more. Someone has to, and I accept this responsibility, then in the dressing room we hug and celebrate the victory." His leadership even extends to the coaching staff, as he was seen trying to cheer up a despondent-looking Flick after the Alaves win—a mood only fully lifted by the subsequent victory over Atletico.
The Title Race Heats Up
A victory for Barcelona in Seville against Real Betis would further boost morale ahead of Real Madrid's Sunday fixture against Celta Vigo. Los Blancos, currently trailing Barca by a single point, ended a run of three consecutive league draws with a 3-0 win at Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.
In other weekend action, Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez will aim to rediscover his form on the road as his team visits Athletic Bilbao, hoping to revive their title ambitions after the midweek defeat at Camp Nou.
Key La Liga Stats:
- 14 – Moroccan players are in the Spanish top flight, the fourth most represented nationality.
- 35 – Consecutive La Liga games in which free-scoring Barcelona have found the net.
- 70 – Saves made by Real Oviedo's busy goalkeeper Aaron Escandell, the most in the division.
Weekend Fixtures (All times GMT):
Friday: Real Oviedo v Mallorca (2000)
Saturday: Villarreal v Getafe (1300), Alaves v Real Sociedad (1515), Real Betis v Barcelona (1730), Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid (2000)
Sunday: Elche v Girona (1300), Valencia v Sevilla (1515), Espanyol v Rayo Vallecano (1730), Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (2000)
Monday: Osasuna v Levante (2000)
