Brazilian winger says teammate’s capacity for brilliance keeps the team confident, while crediting manager for his own improvements this season
Barcelona winger Raphinha praised the “golden feet” of Lamine Yamal as the Catalan club officially confirmed their 28th La Liga title with a 2-0 win against Espanyol. The Brazilian also credited the confidence that manager Hansi Flick has shown in him as a key factor for his performance this season.
The win over Espanyol was by no means a masterclass in attacking football. Despite the two-nil final score, it was as hard as could be expected in a derby game. In fact, for much of the first half, Barcelona toiled without carving out any clear openings. But Raphinha wasn’t worried.
“We didn’t have many clear chances,” said the Brazilian. “But we have a kid in there who sometimes pulls something out of the golden feet he has and he gave us peace of mind to stay in the game more calmly.”
That “kid” was Lamine Yamal, who delivered once again on the biggest of stages. Picking up the ball on the right wing, Yamal pushed the ball in-field and went on a dizzying run that ended in a fantastic curl into the top left corner. Espanyol defenders and goalkeeper all saw it coming long before he took the shot. But of course that line: seeing it and stopping it are two entirely different things.
Yamal’s goal was the turning point in the game, Espanyol having thoroughly restricted Barcelona to mere scraps of chances around the penalty area. It ensured that his team would go ahead to beat their local rivals and put themselves mathematically beyond reach with two matches left to play.
Raphinha said that he and his teammates always knew that they had everything it took to be successful in the league this season, even in their rough moments.
“In January some people were saying we would fight to be third,” said the Brazilian. “We have confidence in ourselves. That’s the key. We trust in the work and in what we know we can do.”
For Raphinha personally, the 2024/25 season has been an incredible one. He has produced 34 goals and 25 assists, more than fellow Brazilian and Barcelona legend Ronaldinho did in his best season at the club. He has not only delivered, but also delivered in crucial moments. His brace late in the first half against Real Madrid at Montjuic, for instance, helped complete the comeback and ensure a 4-3 win that put the title practically beyond their rivals.
The player believes that the biggest factor for his success has been the belief shown in him by new manager Flick this season.
“The most important thing was the confidence of the coach. Knowing at the start of the season that he was counting on me, a person who controls the team … it changes you in the end.”
