Winger relieved to win “big game” against in-form opponents; Barcelona go four points clear having played one game more than Real Madrid
Barcelona winger Raphinha believes beating Atletico Madrid on Tuesday was a massive boost to his side’s title chances this season
Alex Baena had put Atletico in front 20 minutes into the first half, but Raphinha responded when he ran through on goal and rounded Jan Oblak. Goals from Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres then settled the affair 3-1 for Barcelona in an open second half.
Atletico are one of the toughest sides Barcelona or Real Madrid have to face. They had thrashed Madrid 5-2 in October. Tuesday’s win lifted Hansi Flick’s side four points clear of Madrid ahead of the latter’s game on Wednesday.
“We knew it was a big game in La Liga,” said Raphinha. “It’s the type of win that can decide a title race.
“If we keep picking up points game after game, everything will look much better.”
Raphinha started his second successive game after being injured since September. The Brazilian’s return to fitness is a massive boost for Barcelona after producing 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 appearances for them last season, a return that surpassed even that of legend Ronaldinho in his best season for the club.
“Rapha is a very important player for us,” said Flick. “When he’s on the pitch, he increases the dynamic level and the intensity.
“Everyone is affected by that. You can see it on the pitch. Also the positive things he gave us today was so amazing and so important.
“As a team, I think this was one of the best matches from the season. I appreciate what I saw over the 90 minutes. I think also the three points is important.
“It was the next step. We are coming back to our best level. We increased a lot of the things we need and this was really good to see.”
