Barcelona won by a 5-1 scoreline last night over Mallorca, returning to winning ways in La Liga and in some style.
What makes the result all the more impressive, however, is the fact that they did so without Robert Lewandowski who is La Liga’s top scorer at this moment.
The Polish striker was rested completely on the night as Hansi Flick decided the player required a break before the big fixtures ahead, and as revealed by SPORT, he was not the only star the manager wished to rest.
Raphinha’s denial
The outlet brings to light that the coach initially hoped to give Raphinha a rest on the night as well, as the Brazilian has been a constant in the team’s dynamics with no break.
Leading from the front. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)
The player, however, insisted that he take part in the game from the very start when asked by the manager and Flick even joked in his post-match press conference how the player proved that his presence on the field was vital.
Raphinha stepped up and converted the penalty for Barcelona last night and then got on the end of Lamine Yamal’s assist to complete his brace.
Apart from his two goals, he even recorded four key passes and created one big chance.
With Real Betis and Borussia Dortmund coming next, the manager will not have any chance to rest Raphinha and the Brazilian is set to continue leading from the front.
So far this season, the 27-year-old has scored 11 goals and provided six assists in La Liga and has been in outrageous form for the Catalans. Donning the captain’s armband could not be more deserved for any player.