Raphinha vows Barcelona will bounce back for Real Madrid Clásico
Barcelona captain Raphinha insists the 4-2 loss at Paris Saint-Germain will not derail the league leaders before Sunday’s Clásico against Real Madrid.
What we know
- Barcelona’s 11-match winning streak ended in Paris, but Raphinha said the squad had expected a defeat could eventually come against PSG at their home ground.
- The Brazilian described the contest as evenly balanced and said Barcelona continued trying to impose their own game despite PSG’s strength.
- Barcelona remain six points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga, with their domestic unbeaten record still standing.
- Raphinha said the PSG defeat amounted to three points dropped, not a crisis, and stressed that Barcelona still have further matches to play.
- He returned to the starting side after a thigh injury suffered during the latest international break, but was taken off after 60 minutes as part of his physical recovery plan.
- Raphinha was frustrated to leave the pitch, believing he could have continued, but accepted the decision. He also said Barcelona and PSG could meet again in this season’s Champions League final as both chase the title.
Next step: Real Madrid at the weekend
Barcelona now turn directly to Sunday’s meeting with Madrid. Raphinha said the team are ready for a demanding run of major fixtures and will fight to preserve their unbeaten LaLiga campaign.
“It is a difficult week, but we are prepared,” Raphinha said. “We will do everything possible to keep that run going.”
