A Pattern That Is No Longer a Coincidence

FC Barcelona recently suffered their sixth defeat of the season across all competitions. Hansi Flick’s team has shown moments of high quality, but every setback shares a common denominator that is becoming increasingly evident.

In all of those matches, Raphinha was either absent due to injury or had no real impact on the game. A coincidence that no longer seems like mere chance.

The Defeats That Confirm It

Barça fell in LaLiga against Sevilla, Real Madrid and Real Sociedad without the Brazilian on the pitch. He was also unavailable in the Champions League loss to PSG at Montjuïc.

The other defeat was the 3-0 loss in London against Chelsea. That night Raphinha did play a few minutes, but he came on when the result was already decided. It was not a match in which he could truly influence the outcome.

What the Team Loses Without Him

Beyond the numbers — 13 goals and 5 assists in 22 appearances — Raphinha represents intensity, verticality and a constant threat on the wing. His ability to break lines forces opponents to adjust defensively and creates space for the rest of the attack.

Without him, the team loses depth and aggression in one-on-one situations. Barça may dominate possession, but they struggle more to turn that control into clear scoring chances.

What Comes Next and the Urgency of His Return

The schedule offers no relief. With demanding fixtures in LaLiga and European competitions ahead, getting Raphinha back becomes a strategic priority.

The coaching staff remains cautious with his recovery, but recent evidence shows that his presence can make the difference between competing and falling short. This season, when he isn’t there… Barça pay the price.

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