Raphinha was one goal/assist away from equalling his best offensive output in Barcelona

Published:24/11/2024 - 00:13h

Updated:24/11/2024 - 00:16h

Raphinha scored his 13th goal of the season on Saturday against Celta (2-2) and is just one short of his record of goals generated (23) in just 18 games in 2024/25

FC Barcelona have Raphinha as their great offensive leader in 2024/25. The Brazilian scored again in the visit to Celta de Vigo (2-2) and has already generated 22 goals (13 goals and 9 assists) in just 18 official matches (14 in La Liga and 4 in the Champions League). Last season, the Porto Alegre native scored 10 goals and 13 assists in twice as many appearances (37).

At Balaídos, the duel started in the best way for the Brazilian. After the first quarter of an hour, a long ball from Jules Koundé was taken advantage of by the '11' to leave Óscar Mingueza stranded, who failed miserably in covering on the left. Rapha easily beat the Catalan in speed and masterfully defined against Vicente Guaita in the one-on-one.

Later in the second half, another error by Mingueza allowed the Barça captain to recover the ball near the area to filter a pass that, despite Starfelt's efforts to cut it out, ended in a goal by Robert Lewandowski. The Pole reached 15 goals in the League (20 in the season), followed by the one in Porto Alegre (8 in the League).

Raphinha's goals are a lucky charm for Barça

Although the match ended with a bitter taste for the Catalans due to the goals conceded in the 84th and 86th minutes (121 seconds passed between the two goals), Barça maintained an incredible statistic when the '11' manages to 'score' in League matches. The Brazilian has scored on 18 occasions in which the Blaugrana team remains undefeated, with 16 victories and 2 draws between 2022 and 2024.

So far this season, Rapha is also the second highest assister in the tournament, with 6 assists. Lamine Yamal, out due to injury against Celta, remains the leader with 7. In Balaídos, the South American winger played the full 90 minutes, with a total of 24 accurate passes in 33 attempts (73%) and 5 shots on goal (1 off the post).

In addition, he completed 3 dribbles in 4 attempts, with 7 duels won and only a couple lost. He also recovered 3 balls and avoided the 8 yellow cards that César Soto Grado received (3 were for Barça, with 1 red). In fact, the Brazilian received 3 fouls, being the Barça striker with the most participation in the entire match.