Sunday saw Barcelona and Hansi Flick take a pivotal step towards the Spanish title. A crucial game against bitter enemies Real Madrid with a win taking Raphinha’s side seven points clear with three games to play.
An incredible match that saw two makeshift defences come up against the world’s best attackers. It was always going to be high-scoring, with Barcelona emerging victorious despite a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick.
Leeds United legend Raphinha scored two goals – Barcelona’s third and fourth – that ultimately won the game. Leeds fans will have loved to see Raphinha shine again, but loved his post-match comments more.
Raphinha says Marcelo Bielsa is the reason for his incredible form
While Barcelona have missed out on the Champions League after conceding to Inter in the dying seconds, following a Raphinha goal, the 2024-25 season is still promising to be an incredibly good year for Barca.
The Copa Del Rey has been secured and the La Liga trophy could be confirmed when Barca face Espanyol on Thursday. Speaking to DSports after the win, Raphinha said Marcelo Bielsa is the reason for his form.
“He was the person responsible for getting me to play in the Premier League, which was my dream, and being able to enjoy that moment with him was something special. In the end, he’s given me a lot.
“I have to thank him a lot for being here, because if Barça was interested in me, it was because of the work I did at Leeds, and especially the work Marcelo made me do. I’m very grateful to him, forever.”
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Could Raphinha really go and win the 2025 Ballon d’Or this year?
His form is quite simply, breathtaking. At Leeds, Raphinha produced 29 goals and assists in 67 games including winning and scoring a penalty against Brentford in his final game, to keep Leeds in the top tier.
His first two seasons at Barcelona were good without being great. But double digits for goals and assists in both of those seasons – however, this year his numbers have gone to new, unbelievable heights.
Raphinha now has 34 goals and 25 assists. A remarkable tally with three games left to play, and he will be desperate to take that to the 60’s overall. Thierry Henry said Raphinha is favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.
Cafu thinks Raphinha might have even deserved the award before while Harry Gray described Raphinha as the best player in the world. With the La Liga title almost wrapped up, Raphinha could win the title.
