FC Barcelona lock horns with Chelsea tonight within the UEFA Champions League, realizing {that a} defeat might additional injury their probabilities of securing a top-eight end within the league section.
The Blaugrana have already dropped factors in two video games, first shedding to PSG after which being held to a draw by Membership Brugge, leaving them with little or no margin for error.
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The excellent news is that the Catalans have recovered considered one of their most vital gamers, Raphinha, from damage, with the Brazilian making his comeback in opposition to Athletic Membership as a late substitute.
On his return to England, the place he performed for Leeds United up to now, Raphinha accompanied Barça supervisor Hansi Flick for the pre-match press convention late final night.
And the Brazilian worldwide couldn’t conceal his pleasure at with the ability to play once more after practically two months out.
“Actually, simply being again on the pitch is particular for me. I’ve been out for 2 months, and that’s fairly powerful. It’s been arduous as a result of I at all times like to play,” he mentioned.
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“I’ve performed right here a number of occasions; it’s a stadium I really like, and it’s particular to be again. If I play, I hope to assist the group.”
The frequent feeling throughout Raphinha’s absence has been that Barcelona have lacked the identical depth on the subject of urgent from the entrance. When requested if he felt that too, the winger replied:
“I’ve missed the group greater than they’ve missed me. I at all times attempt to give my greatest on the pitch. I’m usually the one who begins by urgent and inspiring the blokes. I attempt to assist everybody; if I give my greatest, I can demand extra from the group.”
Relating to his damage and rehabilitation, the previous Leeds man mirrored: “I had a very powerful time. It was a tough interval. I at all times need to be on the pitch serving to the group, and going two months with out enjoying was a tricky time for me personally.
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“I must get again into match health after two months. I hope to return quickly to the model of myself that individuals anticipate.”
Discussing his , Raphinha added: “It’s potential. I’ve had two relapses; the primary was my fault, and I can take accountability for the second as effectively.
“I take accountability for each relapses to try to get again on the sector sooner. I made a mistake.”
Discussing how he tried to assist throughout his outing injured, Raphinha famous: “What I do to assist the group, I do for myself and the group, not so folks can say I’m a pacesetter.
“I’m somebody who tries to be attentive to all the pieces, and that’s why I introduced them the water bottle onto the sector. I’ve had a worse time within the stands than on the bench.”
Raphinha loved an distinctive season in 2024/25 and was a key protagonist in Barcelona’s home treble win, racking up large numbers.
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But he completed outdoors the highest three within the 2025 Ballon d’Or, and the winger made it clear that he felt he was underappreciated when it got here to the person honours.
“I deserved rather more. I felt undervalued, sure. As a group, I missed out on the Champions League. I don’t management particular person awards. I had a spectacular season, and for me, that’s sufficient,” he mentioned.
Raphinha believes he deserved extra after his glorious final season. (Photograph by Andrew Redington/Getty Photos)
On being requested why he thought he didn’t win these honours, Raphinha added: “Different folks vote. You’re those [the press] who want to clarify issues to me. I’m simply targeted on enhancing my sport, that’s all.”
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Speaking about whether or not Barcelona are among the many favourites to win the Champions League, he remarked:
“I’ve at all times mentioned that the primary goal must be successful the Champions League, and since I arrived, I’ve repeated the identical factor in each interview. I see the group as extra mature than final season; we strategy conditions in a different way.
“It’s a tricky competitors, however we’ll give all the pieces to win it.”
On whether or not successful at Stamford Bridge tonight could be a turning level for Barcelona, given they haven’t had the most effective reminiscences on their latest visits to Chelsea’s dwelling floor, he famous:
“Each season is totally different. The final time Barça performed right here, there had been a number of adjustments by way of each gamers and the membership. Final season we performed some spectacular matches on tough pitches.
“The group that makes the fewest errors will win. Will probably be a spectacular match between two nice groups; the one which makes the fewest errors will seemingly take the victory.”
Previous to his transfer to Barcelona, Chelsea had proven a powerful curiosity in Raphinha. So, when requested if he ever thought-about shifting to Stamford Bridge, the winger replied:
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“I had a dream, and that was to put on the Barça shirt. I believed, and at present I’m right here sporting the Barça shirt.”
Raphinha performs with top-of-the-line younger footballers on the earth in Lamine Yamal at Barcelona, whereas he additionally will get to see from shut the rise of Chelsea’s Estevao within the Brazil setup. Speaking in regards to the teenage duo, he famous:
“For me, they’re two footballers of a spectacular degree. I consider the subsequent few years of their careers would be the greatest on the earth. They’re two large abilities; being on the high depends upon them and nothing else. They’re heading in the right direction.
“I attempt to assist them with the expertise I’ve in soccer, however the expertise is theirs. They’re abilities that can soar for a few years.”
Concluding, Raphinha acknowledged that lacking out on the Prime-8 wouldn’t spell an finish to Barcelona’s Champions League ambitions, saying:
“You’ll be able to win the Champions League with out ending within the high eight. PSG did it final season.”
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