Hansi Flick's decision that could have changed everything in Mallorca

FC Barcelona put an end to their 'mini crisis' with a crushing thrashing of Mallorca (1-5), and did so with an unexpected surprise in the starting eleven. Robert Lewandowski, who until last Tuesday had played all this season as a starter in 20 consecutive games, was relegated to the bench by Hansi Flick to give him a well-deserved rest to face the final stretch of 2024 with renewed energy.

However, the German coach and his coaching staff also considered a change in the lineup that could have changed the outcome of the day for the Blaugranas. In the same vein as with the Pole, Flick considered substituting Raphinha to add 'fresh' legs to the team.

Raphinha 'ruled out' his rest

Despite this, and as confirmed by the Blaugrana coach himself in a press conference, the Brazilian 'ruled out' coming off the bench at Son Moix. "We also thought about giving Rapha a rest. But we spoke to him and he told us he was fine. And the truth is that he proved it tonight (laughs)," Hansi commented.

A decision that ended up being the right one, since Raphinha ended up being the key figure in the victory over Mallorca, scoring a double and taking home the 'MVP' of the match.

Now, and in view of the complicated schedule that Barça is facing (Betis and Dortmund as visitors), it seems difficult for the '11' to rotate. Although it seems that he does not need it, since night after night the winger continues to prove to be one of the most decisive pieces of the team.