Raphinha and Kounde react after Benfica 0-1 Barcelona – ‘When you play with one less player…’ | OneFootball

Raphinha has firmly established himself as one of Barcelona’s most important players this season, once again proving his worth by scoring a decisive goal against Benfica.

His contribution was crucial in securing a hard-fought victory for a Barcelona side that had to battle through adversity, particularly after the early dismissal of Pau Cubarsi.

The match took an unexpected turn when Cubarsi received a red card just 21 minutes into the game. Barcelona had entered the match with a clear game plan, but the sending-off forced them to adjust their approach.

“We had an idea before the game, the expulsion changed the plans and the most important thing is that we knew how to stay focused.

“We knew that we had to suffer and the important thing is that we came out with a positive result,” said the scorer.

Hansi Flick’s message

Raphinha scored the match-winner against Benfica. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Raphinha also shared insights into Hansi Flick’s instructions following the red card. The Brazilian forward acknowledged that the game became significantly more difficult, requiring the team to dig deep and defend with discipline.

However, Barcelona embraced the challenge, remained compact, and capitalised on the few opportunities that came their way.

“The expulsion changed the way we played, I personally knew that the match was going to be complicated and that we had to suffer, we knew how to suffer and defend and we got a good result for Barcelona.”

On Szczesny’s performance

The Brazilian also had a lighthearted moment when discussing the performance of Wojciech Szczesny, who had a standout game in goal.

He joked about having the Polish goalkeeper in his fantasy football team and being pleased with the points he earned from his exceptional display.

“What a game he had!” Raphina congratulated herself, adding, amused: “I have him in my fantasy and today he gave me a lot of points.”

Jules Kounde talks

Jules Kounde was decisive for Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Jules Kounde was another standout performer on the night. The French defender played a crucial role in maintaining Barcelona’s defensive stability after they were reduced to ten men.

He highlighted the importance of such victories in shaping the season, noting that sometimes teams must adapt their style of play to secure results.

“I am happy, this type of match marks the season. We do not say anything to Europe, the message we have given today is for us because sometimes you have to play in a different way.

“Today we had to lower the defence a little because playing against Benfica, with one man less and the line advanced, would have been very difficult.

“It must be noted that we have adapted and the effort of the team, starting from the forwards to the goal,” said the defender.

Enjoying the contest

Kounde also reflected on the nature of the victory, comparing it to the thrilling 4-5 win Barcelona had previously secured against Benfica in the group stage.

Kounde is happy with the result. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

From a defender’s perspective, he preferred the narrow 1-0 victory, as keeping a clean sheet is always a priority.

“I like a 0-1 more than a 4-5 because as a defender I always want a clean sheet.”

Despite playing with a man down for over 70 minutes, Barcelona displayed remarkable determination and defensive discipline.

Kounde acknowledged that while Benfica did create chances, most of them came from wide areas rather than breaking through the centre, which was a testament to Barcelona’s compact defensive structure.

“When you play with one less player, you have to put in extra effort and we did well, closing down on the inside and not leaving many spaces for Benfica.

“It’s true that they had chances but they came from the outside, so I think we did quite well,” he concluded.