Barcelona vice-captain marks return to familiar position with scintillating display against Valencia | OneFootball

Much like the 2024/25 season, it has taken FC Barcelona until the fourth La Liga game to finally blow past an opponent. Valencia were on the receiving end on this occasion, losing 6-0 to a much-rotated Hansi Flick side.

Raphinha started on the bench in what was later confirmed as a disciplinary decision. According to RAC1 (via Fabrizio Romano), the Brazilian had been scheduled to start but arrived late for the pre-match activation session, which led Flick to drop him.

As a result, summer signing Roony Bardghji was chosen to occupy the right-wing role instead. However, the Brazilian was brought on in the second half and, for the first time this season, he was given the right-wing role.

As highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, it has been a while since the ex-Leeds man played there, but he showed absolutely no signs of jitters. Raphinha made the perfect far-post run to meet a beautiful cross from Marcus Rashford and bundled the ball home for his first goal of the night.

He was not satisfied with just that, as he unleashed a thunderous volley from close range to secure a brace, helping Barcelona canter to victory over Valencia. It was an excellent display from the Brazilian.

Having recently returned from international duty in Bolivia with the Brazilian national team, it initially seemed Flick’s decision to rest him from the start was due to fatigue.

However, the late arrival clarified the situation, with Bardghji benefiting from his chance in the starting XI, but when the Brazilian winger came on, there were no signs of tiredness or fatigue.

It has been a good start to the new season for Raphinha, and he could start on the right wing against Newcastle United in midweek if Lamine Yamal is not fit in time for the game. Let us hope he can continue his rich vein of form in the coming weeks.