Raphinha was set to face Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, with Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone praising the Barcelona forward before the match. The game comes after Raphinha recovered from a minor injury and returned to full physical sharpness.
Raphinha's goals
Before the Atletico Madrid match, Raphinha had 15 goals in La Liga, four in the Champions League and 19 in 13 official matches.
Raphinha struck twice against Alaves and twice against Aston Villa in his last two outings, and scored in the Clasico at the Spotify Camp Nou.
AS said Raphinha has looked outstanding inside the box, moving constantly and pressing relentlessly.
Simeone's praise
Simeone said after Barcelona's 3-1 win in last season's La Liga meeting at the Spotify Camp Nou: “I don't know how Raphinha hasn't won the Ballon d'Or yet, because I would pick him to win it.”
Simeone said: “I love him a lot, because he is good at playing in all the positions he is asked to fill, and he also scores wonderful goals.”
Simeone said: “I love him a lot, because every time he plays it is enjoyable to watch him, whether through his movements or his runs away from marking or his movement into spaces, alongside his collective work.”
Raphinha against Atletico
Raphinha has had a direct hand in eight goals in 10 matches against Atletico Madrid, scoring twice and providing six assists.
A thigh muscle injury kept Raphinha out of last season's Champions League quarter-final between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Muscle trouble also kept Raphinha out of the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, a 4-0 defeat for Barcelona, and the La Liga trip where Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at the Metropolitano.
Contract and Raphinha's response
Barcelona have tied Raphinha down until 30 June 2030.
Raphinha said: “I have great affection for Cholo, he is an amazing coach and I value him a lot.”
