Raphinha praised the significance of a victory that can influence a title contest as Barcelona triumphed over Atlético Madrid 3-1 at Spotify Camp Nou on Tuesday, extending their lead to four points at the summit of LaLiga.
Álex Baena gave Atlético an early advantage in the 19th minute, but Raphinha, making his second start after a two-month injury absence, equalized seven minutes later, skillfully rounding Jan Oblak after receiving a pass from Pedri.
Robert Lewandowski missed a penalty before halftime, yet the striker redeemed himself when Dani Olmo scored shortly after the hour mark, with Ferran Torres sealing the win in injury time.
«We’re growing in confidence with each match,» Raphinha mentioned to reporters after Barça broadened their gap over Real Madrid, who are set to compete against Athletic Club on Wednesday, while also creating a six-point cushion ahead of Atlético.
«We recognized that today was a crucial match in LaLiga. It reflects the kind of victory that can sway a title battle. If we continue to secure points consistently, our situation will look much brighter.»
Raphinha’s comeback has injected energy into Barça’s gameplay that was missing during his absence, and Pedri’s first start since October also brought added stability to midfield.
Atlético coach Diego Simeone expressed disbelief that Raphinha hasn’t secured the top individual accolades in football for his displays under Hansi Flick.
«I admire him,» Simeone said. «He excels in all roles. He can play on the wing, as a wing-back, in midfield, he scores, and he applies pressure.»
«I’m puzzled about how he hasn’t claimed the Ballon d’Or.»
Barça coach Flick is thrilled to have Raphinha back in the lineup after witnessing his team won a sixth consecutive match since their defeat to Real Madrid at the end of October.
«Rapha is an essential player for us,» Flick stated in a press conference. «His presence on the field elevates our dynamic play and intensity.
«It influences everyone. You can see the positive impact he had on the pitch today, which was fantastic and crucial.
«As a team, I believe this was one of our top performances of the season. I truly valued what I observed over the full 90 minutes. Additionally, obtaining these three points holds significant importance.
«It was a vital progression. We are regaining our peak form. We are improving many aspects that we need, and it was very encouraging to witness.»
Both Raphinha and Pedri were substituted in the 70th minute, but Flick noted this was solely due to fatigue, while Olmo might face time away from the game after injuring his shoulder while netting Barça’s second goal.
The Spanish international will have further examinations on Wednesday to assess the severity of his condition.
After Raphinha and Pedri exited — as Barça concluded the match with a midfield trio of Eric García, Marc Casadó and Dro Fernández — Atlético pressed hard for an equalizer.
Substitutes Thiago Almada and Antoine Griezmann both squandered clear opportunities to level the score before Torres’ late strike handed Atlético their first defeat since they lost to Espanyol in the season’s opening week.
«I was pleased with the team’s display today, so I’m content,» Simeone remarked. «The players gave everything. I appreciated the fearless attitude towards the end, fighting for the equalizer.
«We performed well overall. We began with determination, created good pressing, secured a goal, then they posed risks with passes through our lines. We discussed that during halftime.
«They were more effective at the beginning of the second half, generating more than we did, but we had three solid chances to draw level that we failed to capitalize on. Ultimately, with the third goal, I don’t believe 3-1 accurately represents the match.»
