Rafinha Contributes a Goal and an Assist in the First Half to Help Barcelona Secure a Big Win

In the second round of the Champions League, Rafinha completed a goal and an assist in the first half, ultimately helping Barcelona secure a 5-0 home victory over Young Boys.

After an unexpected 1-2 loss to Monaco in the first round of the Champions League, and another defeat against Osasuna in La Liga last weekend, marking their first league loss of the season, Barcelona was in desperate need of a win to bounce back. With the captain’s armband on, Rafinha led by example, assisting Lewandowski to break the deadlock on the field within eight minutes, and then scoring himself, helping the team quickly establish a 2-0 lead. Ultimately, the team secured a 5-0 victory. In this match, Rafinha not only made the highest number of shots on goal with five, but also delivered the highest number of key passes at six, earning him the highest score of 9.5 on the rating website.

To date, Rafinha has contributed six goals and three assists in his tenth appearance for Barcelona this season. In terms of goals, he is just four goals away from equalling his personal best single-season goal tally with Barcelona, which was ten goals in each of his first two seasons with the club. Originally playing as a right winger, Rafinha has made tactical sacrifices this season. To make room for Yamal, he can move to the center or even the left side, and his performances have been excellent, providing significant tactical assistance to Flick.

Two years ago, Rafinha joined the team for a total of 70 million euros from Leeds United, but he did not particularly stand out under Xavi’s leadership. On Transfermarkt, his market value dropped from 60 million euros to 50 million euros. This summer, Barcelona even considered selling him to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the acquisition of Nico Williams, who shone at the European Championship. However, now Barcelona is already preparing to renew his contract, despite his current contract not expiring until June 2027.