Raphinha’s return from injury has had a transformative effect on FC Barcelona, significantly enhancing the team’s performance in La Liga, as reported by Spanish newspaper ‘Sport.’ The Brazilian winger, who was sidelined from September 26 to November 22 due to a muscle injury, made a gradual comeback starting with the match against Athletic Bilbao. Since Raphinha’s return, Barcelona has not faced a single loss and has shown marked improvement in both offensive and defensive play.
Prior to his return, Barcelona played seven league matches, securing five wins and suffering two defeats, which yielded an average of 2.14 points per match. However, with Raphinha back in the lineup, the team won all six matches, achieving a perfect average of three points per game. The statistic highlights not only the results but also the shift in the team’s dynamics, with Barcelona’s goal-scoring rate escalating to an impressive 2.86 goals per match while goals conceded dropped to just 0.33, compared to an average of two goals per match prior to his inclusion.
Raphinha’s influence extends beyond statistics; his vigorous pressing and off-the-ball work, particularly on the left side, provide Barcelona with greater balance and stability, even during challenging moments in games. This makes him an integral component of Hans Flick’s tactical framework.
Additionally, Manolo González, coach of Espanyol, praised Raphinha as a pivotal player, emphasizing how the numbers and overall performance collectively illustrate how Barcelona thrives with him on the pitch. As Raphinha continues to contribute positively, Barcelona’s prospects in the league look increasingly promising, reinforcing the belief in their potential to contend for titles this season.