ESPN: As Captain and Attacking Leader, Raphinha Is Key to Barcelona’s Strong Start

In the opening round of the Champions League, Barcelona defeated Feyenoord 5-1 at Camp Nou. In the heavy rain, new captain Raphinha scored twice and led the team to a winning start in the Champions League.

Barcelona have played only five matches this season but have already scored five goals in a single game on four occasions, showing extremely powerful attacking firepower. The Blaugrana have been waiting 12 years since their last Champions League title, and this season is viewed by many as a golden opportunity to challenge for the trophy.

Originally a right winger, Raphinha has been converted into a striker this season and has produced outstanding performances. He has scored in five consecutive matches so far this season, a feat last achieved by a Barcelona player in 1950 by César Rodríguez. He has now scored eight goals, and across his last three Champions League seasons he has directly contributed to 28 goals, with only Kane (29 goals) having a higher total during the same period.

Beyond his scoring statistics, his attitude during matches has received even more praise. Raphinha has maintained intense pressing and active defensive work, setting an example for his attacking teammates, while young players such as Yamal have followed his high-intensity running. Against Feyenoord, Flick made five bold rotation changes, but Barcelona’s high press did not weaken at all, as they controlled their opponents from the opening minutes.

In this match, Adeyemi scored a stunning goal, while Raphinha extended the lead after receiving an assist from Pedri; Yamal scored from a free kick, taking his Champions League goal tally to 12, just one short of Mbappé’s record of 13 goals during his youth period. After scoring, Yamal specifically ran to the substitutes’ bench to celebrate with Raphinha, who had just been substituted. Raphinha revealed after the match that he had encouraged Yamal to stay focused before the game and believed he could score. Late in the match, Jesus sealed the 5-1 scoreline with a header, and the 19-year-old Yamal completed his 101st direct goal contribution in his Barcelona career. Feyenoord’s Steijn scored a consolation goal.

This summer, Barcelona originally planned to sign Alvarez to replace Lewandowski, but negotiations stalled, leading them to sign Jesus as a rotation reinforcement. Raphinha’s successful transition into a striker unexpectedly completed the team’s attacking setup. In the 30-player Ballon d’Or shortlist announced on Monday, Raphinha was regretfully left out, but the article commented that if he continues performing at this level, he will surely become a candidate next year. Asked about the Ballon d’Or topic, Raphinha said he is currently focused only on Barcelona: “We are having an amazing season.” He also remained calm: “A long season will have ups and downs. A good start can give us confidence, and we hope the difficult periods will be as short as possible.”

However, the team still has concerns: Rodri’s arrival has improved midfield control, but Barcelona’s defensive reinforcements this summer have been limited, with only Cancelo signed, meaning future tough matches will continue to test defensive stability.