Raphinha now highlights what makes Barcelona different this season | OneFootball

FC Barcelona got their Champions League campaign off to a good start with a 5-0 win over Young Boys. A brace from Robert Lewandowski, goals from Raphinha and Inigo Martinez, and an own goal saw Hansi Flick’s men get past the Swiss team.

Wearing the armband that night, Raphinha was the standout performer for the team. He orchestrated the game in a manner that fans have come to expect from him this season and was justly awarded the Man of the Match title, despite Lewandowski’s brace and Pedri’s exceptional performance.

Barcelona came into the game under immense pressure. They lost to Osasuna last weekend in the league and also lost their opening Champions League encounter to AS Monaco after Eric Garcia was sent off for an unfortunate foul after a Marc-Andre Ter Stegen mistake.

The team came into this game against Young Boys knowing that they needed to secure a win and a statement performance was only the cherry on the cake. Raphinnha understands this point better than anyone else.

The Barcelona captain on the night emphasized the importance of reacting quickly and to bounce back from defeat as soon as possible. As quoted by SPORT, here is what he had to say:

“We knew that after the Monaco game, we had to respond quickly. We also lost in the league game against Osasuna and that was another reason for responding quickly. Playing with our fans and their support makes it much easier. I’m glad we came away with a good win.”

When asked what makes the Catalan team different now, the Brazilian winger emphasized the change in the team’s physicality and their ability to press effectively.

“We press high, but now we are doing it very well. I think physically everyone on the field is doing great, including those who come on in the second half.”

Raphinha was incredible last night and the Montjuic chanted his name. The 27-year-old Brazilian revealed that it was one of his dreams to hear the Blaugrana faithful sing his name and it is a reward for how good he has been this campaign.

Barcelona now take on Alaves in the league the coming Sunday and will be keen on bouncing back in the league as well. Let’s see if Raphinha can inspire the team to yet another inspired performance this coming weekend.