Raphinha talks Yamal goal, first-half performance and more after Barcelona 3-0 Real Oviedo | OneFootball

Barcelona reclaimed their position at the top of the league table thanks to a 3-0 win over Real Oviedo.

It was a dominant performance from the Catalans, who were up against an Oviedo side which tried to defend with grit, even managing to keep things goalless in the first half.

However, an improved second-half display from Barça and goals from Raphinha, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal ensured three points for the home side.

Speaking to the media after the game, Raphinha talked about the win over Oviedo and what it means for his team.

What Raphinha said after win over Oviedo

Raphinha admitted it wasn’t an easy game for Barcelona, and the team struggled, especially in the first half.

“We knew it would be a tough match, a team trying to play and press you as well, even when playing away from home.

“We weren’t at our best moments in the first half, but in the second half I think we found ourselves and managed to score the goals, and I think that’s the most important thing, and that’s what we were looking for,” he said after the game.

The Brazilian international was asked about the things that went wrong in the first half, when the team failed to find the back of the net.

“Well, I think I’d say patience, our team’s patience. Because we knew that in the end, their team would try to play and would try to press. We knew that we had to be patient to try to make them run after the ball to tire them out, especially in the second half.

“I think we did that well. We weren’t at our best in the first half, but in the second half, we came back a bit better, and we were happy to score the goals,” he explained.

Talking about Barcelona’s pressing, especially in the second half, Raphinha pointed out that the team did extremely well.

“In the end, we have to press up front because that also makes our defensive work easier. Doing a good job with the press up front gives us goals, and many times it gives us the chance to intercept the ball more easily at the back and create more chances.

“So I think we’ve done that well, and that’s our idea in playing, sort of,” he added.

The former Leeds United star was particularly happy about the press and his subsequent goals.

“Our idea was to press up front and try to steal as many balls as possible. I tried to press there. Sorry about what happened to the centre-back, but that’s what I was supposed to do, so I was very happy and managed to score the goal,” he stated.

Raphinha’s top form at Barcelona continues. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Speaking of his goal, Raphinha has now scored eight goals in 13 matches. But when asked about his performances compared to last season, the Brazilian looked a bit frustrated.

Raphinha notably had an entertaining one-on-one with a reporter, who compared this season’s performance with the last.

“From 13 matches, 8 goals—do you think something has changed compared to last season?” he asked the reporter, who replied, “I’m asking you.”

In response, Raphinha said, “No, you all… You all are the ones who can watch the matches more times. I’m doing my job and I think I’m doing the same thing as last season.”

The report eased the tension by asking him if he feels in his best form right now, but the Brazilian once again had a cold answer.

“No, I’ll always tell you that I’m looking for my best moments; I’ll never tell you that I’m at my best moments. I’m someone who always seeks growth, so… I’ll never tell you that these are my best moments,” he said.

Talking about the goal he scored and how it did not originate from a powerful effort, the attacker stated, “Yes, well.. You have to try some different things, otherwise it will become too easy for the goalkeepers to wait for it.“

Finally, Raphinha heaped praise on Lamine Yamal’s wonder goal towards the end.

“A legendary goal, amazing. We on the bench were stunned, it was an amazing goal. The most important thing is that we won the match and got the three points to take back home,” he concluded.

Source: BarçaTV+