Not Lamine or Lewandowski: this Barça star has been the scourge of Real Madrid

Like the rest of his teammates, Raphinha was left devastated after Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final loss to Inter Milan. His goal – the one that made it 3–2 – could have sealed his place in the club’s history books, the perfect finale to a superb European campaign. He finished the tournament with 13 goals and nine assists in 14 matches, ending as the competition’s top scorer.

But there’s little time to dwell on that disappointment. The league Clásico at Montjuïc is just around the corner – a match that, in all likelihood, will decide the title. Should Hansi Flick’s side win, they’ll be in pole position to secure the championship in the next round. And Real Madrid may well be the perfect opponent for Raphinha, who has become a real thorn in their side this season.

The Brazilian rounded off the scoring in the first league Clásico (a 4–0 away win) with a stunning chip over Lunin, having lost his marker Lucas Vázquez. He also tormented Carlo Ancelotti’s team in the Spanish Super Cup final, notching two goals and an assist to earn MVP honors.

After the most recent international break, Raphinha returned visibly fatigued, prompting Flick to rest him for two consecutive matches (against Osasuna and Girona). He looked slightly off the pace in his next outings but is gradually regaining his rhythm. There’s no doubt he’ll be a pivotal figure for Barcelona at Montjuïc.

“Clásicos feel like finals – they’re different from any other match,” he told LaLiga World. “They’re incredibly special. The whole city stops, the whole world watches. It’s always a tough game, but I believe we’re ready to give our best and come away with the best possible result.”

Raphinha never draws with Madrid

His outstanding form this season has put him firmly among the contenders for the next Ballon d’Or. In 53 official appearances, he has already racked up 32 goals and 25 assists – remarkable numbers by any standard. “Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine living this moment in this shirt,” he said. “I’ve worked so hard to reach my best level and I hope to keep going. If my name’s in the Ballon d’Or conversation, it means I’m doing something right.”

His track record against Real Madrid is impressive – and intriguingly, he’s never drawn a game against them. Of the ten matches he’s played against Los Blancos across all competitions, he’s won six and lost four.

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