Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News 
FC Barcelona are presently one of the crucial thrilling groups in world soccer following a powerful first season below Hansi Flick, competing on a number of fronts. With a number of standout performers within the squad, the German coach lately prompt a possible Ballon d’Or contender — and it’s not Lamine Yamal or Robert Lewandowski.
Whereas each Lewandowski and Yamal have been pivotal for Barcelona this season — the previous netting 34 objectives and the latter offering 16 assists — Flick singled out Raphinha as a shocking but deserving candidate for the celebrated award. When requested about Raphinha’s possibilities of being a contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, Flick didn’t hesitate to specific his admiration:
“Sure, after all. He carried out effectively this season and it’s actually good to see that. So removed from what we’ve seen, he all the time helps us together with his dynamic, but additionally whenever you see the objectives he scored earlier than, the 5-4, the 1-0, it reveals all the pieces about him,” Flick mentioned in his pre-match press convention forward of the Benfica conflict.
Past praising his technical skills, Flick additionally highlighted the Brazilian’s robust mentality and the way he thrives below stress: “He has this starvation, and you’ll see it when he assaults, with the mentality to unravel the state of affairs with a purpose. He’s a participant that’s actually centered on that, and I’m blissful that he’s right here at this stage.”
Raphinha has emerged as one of many driving forces behind Barcelona’s spectacular season, combining goal-scoring prowess with artistic playmaking and decisive dribbling. The Brazilian winger has registered 25 objectives and 18 assists in 40 appearances this season. With Barcelona nonetheless competing in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League, Raphinha could have loads of alternatives to additional strengthen his Ballon d’Or case.
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Raphinha, the ace in opposition to Benfica
Barcelona will face Benfica on Tuesday within the Champions League spherical of 16 second leg, holding a slender 1-0 benefit from the primary match. Within the press convention, Flick has overtly backed Raphinha to be the game-changer as soon as once more.
Earlier within the group stage, Barcelona edged Benfica in an exhilarating 5-4 victory in Portugal, the place Raphinha performed a starring position with two objectives, together with the match-winner. He was additionally the hero within the first leg of the knockout stage, scoring the decisive purpose in Barcelona’s slim 1-0 win.
With a observe report of three objectives in two video games in opposition to Benfica, Raphinha has confirmed his worth in essential moments. As Barcelona look to guard their lead and advance to the quarterfinals, Flick can be relying on the Brazilian to ship as soon as once more.
