Raphinha remains in Ballon d'Or mode: 50 goal involvements in 24-25

FC Barcelona took another firm step towards the title thanks to a narrow victory against Leganés (0-1). The team managed by Hansi Flick took the three points from Butarque thanks to an own goal by Jorge Sáenz, after a cross from Raphinha from the left. The Brazilian returned to his best version with the 'Azulgrana' team, leading the offensive trident with a very complete match.

The '11', who already has 50 goal involvements this season (28G/22A), was decisive both in attack and defense, exhibiting a remarkable physical display. Just before halftime, the winger saved an action that seemed like a clear goal from Dani Raba, anticipating the '10' of Lega after a pass from Óscar Rodríguez. The Barça center-backs didn't arrive, but Rafa did, appearing like a ghost to deflect the ball from the 'cucumber' striker before he could shoot at goal.

Raphinha brings Barça closer to the LaLiga title with another 'assist'

Likewise, Saturday's, although it will not count in the official records as such, was another assist for the Porto Alegre native, who currently has 21 goal passes in the season. In the 48th minute, Rafa took advantage of a steal by Gerard Martín in the center of the field to break down the left. With time and space, the '11' took out a cross at medium height that sought Robert Lewandowski in the heart of the area.

Knowing that the Pole had won his back, Jorge Sáenz slid in to prevent the '9' from shooting, but his deflection ended up in the back of the net. The Spanish defender's own goal was worth three golden points for a Barça that moves seven points ahead of Real Madrid, with the same number of matches to play. The score, however, could have been wider for the 'Culés', since in the 63rd minute another cross from Raphinha from the side ended in a header from 'Lewy' that went slightly wide.

Three minutes earlier, Fermín López had another very clear opportunity after a great individual action in which the player from Huelva failed in the finish. In the end, Barça won by the narrowest of margins on a day in which Raphinha was the best of the 'Azulgrana' attack, with a couple of chances created and 3 balls recovered. In addition, he completed 28 of 34 passes (82%), 2 successful dribbles and 1 shot on goal.