FC Barcelona secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Benfica within the UEFA Champions League Spherical of 16, punching their ticket to the quarterfinals. After the sport, Raphinha stepped up and delivered a six-word message to rivals as the ultimate stretch of the season approaches.
Having established himself as one among Barcelona’s key gamers within the 2024-25 season, Raphinha as soon as once more proved decisive, contributing with targets and assists. Following the match, he made his ambitions clear in an interview with Movistar Plus+:
“We’re contenders to win every thing,” the Brazilian star said. With La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League nonetheless up for grabs, Raphinha’s message displays Barcelona’s willpower to compete on all fronts. The group presently sits on the high of La Liga, having already secured the Spanish Tremendous Cup in January with a victory over Actual Madrid.
Raphinha additionally analyzed Barcelona’s dominant efficiency towards Benfica, highlighting the group’s method and execution: “We knew that Benfica would come at us robust, and we understood what we would have liked to do to win the match. We have been targeted on that. Ultimately, we had the end in our favor, and I believe we performed an amazing first half.”
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has even endorsed Raphinha as a Ballon d’Or contender, recognizing his affect on the group. With 27 targets and 19 assists in 41 video games this season, the Brazilian winger has been instrumental in Barcelona’s push for a number of trophies.
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Benfica: Raphinha’s favourite opponent
Barcelona and Benfica have confronted off 3 times within the 2024-25 Champions League, as soon as within the league part and twice within the knockout stage. In all three encounters, Raphinha stole the present, incomes MVP honors every time.
In the course of the league part, Barcelona edged out Benfica 5-4 in stoppage time, with Raphinha scoring twice, together with the match-winning purpose. Within the Spherical of 16 first leg, he secured a 1-0 victory with the sport’s solely purpose. Then, on Tuesday, he delivered one other stellar efficiency, netting a brace and helping Lamine Yamal, bringing his tally to 5 targets and one help in three video games towards the Portuguese aspect.
The Brazilian ahead, regardless of his particular person brilliance, remained targeted on the larger image. “For me, crucial factor is what we obtain as a group, and I’m fairly proud of this victory,” Raphinha admitted.
