FC Barcelona faces a crucial clash against Chelsea tonight in the UEFA Champions League, a match that could significantly impact their hopes of finishing in the top eight of the league phase. The Catalan side has already stumbled, having lost to PSG and drawn with Club Brugge, which has left them with very little room for error as they seek to advance in the tournament.
In a positive turnaround, Barcelona welcomes back Raphinha, one of their key players, who has recovered from injury. The Brazilian made his return to action as a late substitute against Athletic Club. Speaking to the media alongside Barça manager Hansi Flick, Raphinha expressed his excitement about returning to the pitch after almost two months sidelined due to injury.
“Honestly, just being back on the pitch is special for me. I’ve been out for two months, and that’s pretty tough. It’s been hard because I always love to play,” he shared, emphasizing the emotional significance of playing at a stadium where he previously shone with Leeds United.
Raphinha’s absence has been felt keenly, particularly in Barcelona’s pressing game. He acknowledged that he missed his teammates significantly and expressed his desire to contribute to the team’s efforts. “I’ve missed the team more than they’ve missed me. I always try to give my best on the pitch,” he said, reinforcing his commitment to lead by example in both effort and morale.
Reflecting on his injury journey, Raphinha opened up about the challenges he faced, including two relapses that delayed his comeback. He took full responsibility for these setbacks, expressing his eagerness to regain his form and contribute to the team’s success.
During his time on the sidelines, Raphinha remained engaged, assisting his teammates in various capacities, even bringing them water during matches. “What I do to help the team… is not so people can say I’m a leader,” he revealed. His mentality reflects a dedication to team dynamics and collaboration.
Having previously enjoyed a stellar season, contributing significantly to Barcelona’s domestic treble, Raphinha felt undervalued, finishing outside the top three for the Ballon d’Or. However, he remains focused on improving his gameplay rather than dwelling on accolades.
On the topic of the Champions League, Raphinha reiterated Barcelona’s ambition to win the prestigious title. He noted the team’s maturity compared to last season, indicating a more strategic approach to tough matches.
The winger recognizes the importance of minimizing mistakes against Chelsea, a team with which he had past connections due to their interest in signing him before his move to Barcelona. Despite potential distractions, Raphinha’s dream has always been to wear the Blaugrana jersey.
Raphinha also highlighted the immense talent of young players like Lamine Yamal at Barcelona and Chelsea’s Estevao, predicting bright futures for them in football. In closing, he maintained that Barcelona’s journey in the Champions League could very well continue, even if they miss out on the top-eight finish in the league phase, referencing PSG’s triumph last season as a testament to that possibility.
As Barcelona prepares for this important match, Raphinha’s return promises to bolster their attack and could be pivotal in securing a vital victory at Stamford Bridge.