Raphinha has been a standout performer for Barcelona in their strong start to the season, and the club will look to the Brazilian winger for inspiration as they head into a challenging week.La Liga leaders under Hansi Flick will host Sevilla on Sunday, followed by a highly anticipated Champions League match against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, and then a Clasico showdown with Real Madrid the following Saturday.##EDITORS_CHOICE##While Barcelona gears up for these big games, their rivals Real Madrid are also facing pressure, visiting Celta Vigo after expressing their support for star forward Kylian Mbappe amidst allegations reported by Swedish media regarding an incident in Stockholm. An internal source at the club, speaking anonymously to AFP, called the accusations “the biggest fake in the history of sport.”For Barcelona, Raphinha has been the most consistent member of their attack, stepping up as injuries have taken a toll on other key players. Striker Robert Lewandowski missed Poland’s Nations League draw against Croatia due to a minor injury, while teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has been diagnosed with a slight hamstring strain. Additionally, Ferran Torres is out for several weeks with a thigh injury, and Dani Olmo is recovering from a hamstring problem as well.🇧🇷 Raphinha (Barcelona, 27)📊 vs Top 5 League att. midfielders & wingers🥇 Expected goals — 1st🥇 Expected assists — 1st🥇 Key passes — 1st🥇 Shots — 1st🥈 Non-penalty goals — 2nd🥈 Shot assists — 2nd🥉 Goals — 3rd🏅 Assists — 5th👉 https://t.co/GjgFwqoP14 pic.twitter.com/KEuJP4YdDg— DataMB (@DataMB_) October 17, 2024 Raphinha, however, has been in fine form, recently scoring twice for Brazil in a 4-0 victory over Peru, helping the national team regain ground in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. So far this season, he has contributed six goals and six assists for Barcelona across 11 matches in all competitions.”I’m very happy for him, it’s unbelievable what he’s doing,” praised Flick after Raphinha’s impressive performance in Barcelona’s 3-0 win against Alaves. “His energy is fantastic, and I believe he can become even better.”After a 65 million euro transfer from Leeds United in 2022, Raphinha’s first two seasons at Barcelona were inconsistent, often showing moments of brilliance mixed with struggles to find his rhythm under then-coach Xavi Hernandez. But under Flick, he is finally delivering on his price tag, earning opportunities to captain both club and country through his dedication and positive influence.”The fact that I was chosen as captain at Barcelona reflects a little bit of who I am,” Raphinha shared with Globo during the international break. “I always try to connect with everyone—whether they are younger, older, new to the club, or from our youth system — and help them adapt as quickly as possible.”Laporta: We rejected 250 million euros for Yamal, the situation is better than what the books showDespite their focus on upcoming high-profile matches against Bayern and Madrid, Barcelona must not underestimate their immediate challenge in Sevilla. Currently sitting 12th, Sevilla have rebounded from a slow start with three wins in their last five matches, including a derby victory against Real Betis and a draw at Athletic Bilbao.Ex-Barcelona forward Gerard Fernandez has found his rhythm with the Andalusian side, while Chidera Ejuke and Dodi Lukebakio add dynamism to Francisco Garcia Pimienta’s squad. Pimienta, who spent nearly three decades at Barcelona as a player and coach, will look to use his knowledge of the Catalan club to pose a significant threat in this matchup.With tough tests on the horizon, Raphinha’s form will be pivotal as Barcelona navigates this critical stretch of their season.LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 10Friday22:00: (1.63) Alaves (3.70) Valladolid (5.90)Saturday15:00: (1.50) Ath.Bilbao (4.30) Espanyol (7.75)17:15: (2.55) Osasuna (3.15) Betis (2.90)19:30: (2.50) Girona (3.25) Sociedad (3.15)22:00: (5.70) Celta (4.00) Real Madrid (1.60)Sunday15:00: (2.15) Mallorca (3.20) Rayo Vallecano (4.00)17:15: (1.35) Atl.Madrid (4.60) Leganes (10.5)19:30: (1.78) Villareal (3.50) Getafe (4.80)22:00: (1.32) Barcelona (5.60) Sevilla (8.50)Monday22:00: (1.80) Valencia (3.60) Las Palmas (5.10)***odds are subject to change***
