Barcelona forward Raphinha says he is prepared to play the full 90 minutes against Real Madrid despite admitting he is unsure whether his legs will “hold up” after a demanding week.
Barcelona lost 4-2 away to Paris Saint-Germain in the third round of the Champions League group stage, bringing an end to their unbeaten start to the season and Raphinha’s personal winning run.
Speaking to TNT Sports Brazil after the match, Raphinha said Barcelona had expected the possibility of defeat against the two-time European champions at home.
“We knew this would happen sooner or later,” he said. “We were facing two-time European champions and playing at their home ground, so we knew how strong they are there.
“We knew losing was a possibility, but we never gave up on playing our own style. It was a match between two teams that fought hard for possession throughout.”
Barcelona were beaten by a late goal that Raphinha felt made the result appear more one-sided than the contest had been.
“I think it was an excellent match, very evenly contested,” he said. “Obviously, the final goal made the scoreline look a bit lopsided, but I believe the game itself was quite tight.
“We were mentally prepared for this. Ultimately, it’s just losing three points, and that’s perfectly fine. There are many more matches ahead.”
Raphinha was substituted before the final whistle and admitted he had been frustrated to leave the field, although the decision had been planned as he continues to recover his fitness.
“When the coach substituted me, I was a bit frustrated because I felt I could have played a few more minutes,” he said. “As a player, you always want to stay on the field, especially in such an important match.
“But my physical condition is gradually recovering, so the limited playing time was actually planned. It really was the kind of match where you finish and immediately want to play again.”
The Brazil international also believes Barcelona could face Paris Saint-Germain again in the Champions League this season, with both clubs targeting the trophy.
“It’s entirely possible, why not?” he said. “They are two-time European champions, and our goal is also to win the title. The chances of two teams aiming for the Champions League trophy meeting again are very high.”
Barcelona now turn their attention to Real Madrid in El Clasico, with Raphinha acknowledging the challenge of facing two elite opponents in the same week.
“I’m always ready,” he said. “I don’t know if my legs will hold up, but I’m always prepared to play the full 90 minutes. It’s a tough week, but I think we’re well-prepared for this week of big matches.”
Asked whether Barcelona could maintain their unbeaten record in La Liga, Raphinha added: “We are currently still unbeaten in the league, and we will do our best to keep that streak going.”
