Raphinha’s goalscoring form is returning at a crucial stage of the season, with the Barcelona forward’s latest double increasing the pressure on Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe in the La Liga scoring race.
The Brazil international scored twice against Alaves to take his league total to 15 goals and his tally in all competitions to 17. His two goals came after Mbappe had reduced the gap between them during the Clasico.
Raphinha has become one of the most important players in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side after beginning the campaign as a temporary central striker. He now appears to be approaching his best level again and is playing a decisive role in the team’s performances.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Raphinha opened the scoring by reacting quickest to a loose ball before finding the net. He completed his brace with an excellent strike, with both goals set up by Fermin Lopez.
Lopez was also among the standout performers in Barcelona’s meeting with the Basque side.
Raphinha caused Alaves persistent problems through his movement, especially his runs in behind the defence. His energy and positioning repeatedly unsettled the opposition and made him a constant attacking threat.
With the result effectively secured, Flick substituted him shortly before the 70-minute mark, bringing on Gabriel Jesus. The Barcelona manager wanted to protect Raphinha’s fitness ahead of the club’s next two fixtures: Tuesday’s Champions League match against Aston Villa and next Sunday’s meeting with Atletico Madrid.
Raphinha finished the match with three shots. He completed all 13 of his attempted passes for a 100% passing accuracy, touched the ball 23 times, lost possession on four occasions and won it back once.
International break concern
Barcelona and Flick will welcome signs that Raphinha is regaining full fitness, but his improved form has also renewed concerns about the next international break, which follows the match against Atletico Madrid.
Brazil’s call-up plans are a source of frustration for Barcelona because Raphinha will have to make a demanding round trip of about 22,000 kilometres to Singapore.
The journey comes at a sensitive point for the forward, who has only recently begun to recover his usual level after overcoming his latest injury.
Flick has not forgotten the problems that followed the previous international break. Raphinha returned with physical issues and was unable to reach peak fitness before Barcelona faced Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid in the Clasico.
The German manager understands how important Raphinha is to maintaining Barcelona’s competitive level. As a result, he has asked for the player’s minutes to be managed carefully when he joins up with the Brazil national team.
