Barcelona talisman hits top form at the perfect time for Hansi Flick | OneFootball

While Barcelona did indeed produce an all-round display to take down Newcastle United, some players were more effective than others, with Raphinha rightfully taking home the man-of-the-match award.

The Brazilian was in impeccable form on the night, scoring two goals and providing two assists in the Catalans’ win while also winning a penalty late in the first half.

He could well have scored a hat-trick had he not generously given the penalty to Lamine Yamal.

His performance in the Champions League, more importantly, comes immediately after his hat-trick against Sevilla at the weekend, and Hansi Flick could not have hoped for a better time for the player to peak.

The right time

The ongoing season has not been an easy one for the Brazilian star, who is the heart and soul of Hansi Flick’s Barcelona.

Regular injuries have halted his progress and momentum, and he has not quite hit the same level of consistency that he produced last season.

Raphinha scored twice against Newcastle United. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

What is not deniable, however, is the work rate and quality that he brings to the field when he does play.

In that sense, Flick could not have asked for a better point in the season for the captain to return to his best form. 

He now has five goals and two assists in his last two games, and with the business end of the season rapidly approaching, Barcelona will need him to maintain the same level of form and fitness.

Last season, Raphinha was the protagonist of Barcelona’s Champions League run and was perhaps the single-most important piece in the team’s success across competitions.

Already placed first in La Liga and in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona have what it takes to win on both fronts. Raphinha’s form, needless to say, will play a massive role in deciding the same.