Raphinha continues to be on fire at the start of the 2024/25 season with FC Barcelona. Against Villarreal (1-5), the Brazilian scored twice again, with 2 goals that rounded off the Barça 'manita' on a bittersweet afternoon due to Marc-André ter Stegen's serious injury. The Barça winger took advantage of the spaces granted by the 'yellow submarine' defence in the final stretch of the match, making the most of the assists from Pau Víctor and Lamine Yamal.
The South American striker, true to form, did not stop trying to create danger on the flanks, shooting up to 6 times during the 90 minutes (3 of them on target). In addition, he completed 27 of 34 passes (79%) and 3 dribbles in 4 attempts, in a back-and-forth match where the Catalans' striking ability made the difference. His goals were slow in coming, with two good finishes inside the box in just nine minutes (74' and 83') that confirm his state of 'grace').
And in just 7 games (630 minutes between the League and the Champions League), the Brazilian has already scored half of the goals he scored last season (10 in 37 appearances, in addition to 13 assists). The Porto Alegre native is exploiting all his quality alternating the wings with Lamine Yamal and continues to improve his record with Barça after a summer where his continuity was in doubt. Hansi Flick's confidence is undoubtedly making a difference with the '11' and he remains in the 'race' for the LaLiga Pichichi, behind Robert Lewandowski (6 goals).
Raphinha, inspired in his debut as Barça captain
For Raphinha, the duel at El Madrigal was also special because of a gesture that confirms his leadership in the team. After Pedri's departure in the 60th minute, the Brazilian took the captain's armband for the first time at Barça. In a starting eleven full of youngsters, the logic was to give the captaincy to Robert Lewandowski (both arrived in the summer of 2022), but the '11' took the armband and did it in the best way, scoring a double to seal the culé rout.