Barcelona began its journey in the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League in the best possible way. Those led by Xavi Hernández imposed conditions at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium to beat Royal Antwerp of Belgium 5-0 at the start of the group stage.
Barça’s victory had some Brazilian flavor, since Raphinha was a starter for the local team. Although he was replaced by Ferrán Torres in the 68th minute, the attacker had time to contribute to the victory as he scored the third goal and assisted Joao Félix for the fifth.
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Raphinha shines in his return to ownership
The deflection on Jeille Batalle meant that the third goal of the match was recorded as an own goal, but Raphinha still took credit for that score. In addition, his precise cross for the Portuguese in the last shout of the night also reflected his ability to assist.
Raphinha goal 4K #ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/fWeILoJTkD
— cfcfury (@cfcfury) September 19, 2023
For this reason, the former Leeds United’s performance was praised by Mundo Deportivo : “He started again after his expulsion in Getafe and scored a lucky goal in collaboration with Bataille: the habit of shooting has those advantages. He rounded off his performance by putting an impeccable screw cross to JF’s head to close the ‘little hand’ before leaving his place on the field.”
As the Spanish newspaper notes, Raphinha had not been part of the starting eleven since the first day of LaLiga, in which he received the red card for an inappropriate reaction with an opponent. Therefore, the winger needed a night like that, even though he had just scored against Betis for the Spanish championship. With this type of performance, it will be difficult for Xavi to bench him.
