Raphinha Sends a Defiant Message to Real Madrid After PSG Defeat

The Barcelona captain played down the team’s first loss of the season and made clear that the setback in Paris will not change their mindset ahead of El Clásico.

Raphinha Refuses to Overreact to Barcelona’s Defeat

Barcelona suffered their first defeat of the season against PSG, but Raphinha made clear there is no intention inside the dressing room to turn one setback into a crisis.

Hansi Flick’s side fell 4-2 in Paris against the reigning back-to-back European champions, bringing their unbeaten start to the season to an end just days before one of the biggest games on the calendar.

“We knew it could happen; we’re facing the two-time European champions, and playing in front of their fans is very tough,” Raphinha said. “We wanted to come away with a win or a point — whatever — but it’s no big deal; these things happen when they’re meant to, and in the end we’ve only dropped three points.”

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“We Showed We Can Compete”

Despite the scoreline, Raphinha defended Barcelona’s performance and highlighted their ability to go toe-to-toe with one of Europe’s strongest teams.

The Brazilian also pointed to the tactical battle against Luis Enrique’s side, with both teams looking to control possession and take risks in attack.

“They are a very well-drilled side. Despite today’s result, we competed well. Both teams like to play with the ball and we had possession. It was a good test and shows we can compete,” he said.

Raphinha Heads Into El Clásico Feeling Strong

The defeat also brought one important positive for Barcelona: Raphinha’s return to the starting lineup. The winger had been back in full training for less than a week, so the coaching staff carefully managed his workload.

“After all, I’ve had less than a week’s training, and this was the plan — to play fewer minutes,” the captain explained. “I finished the match feeling good and strong, and I’m trying to improve my physical condition further.”

The concern now surrounds Dani Olmo, who was forced off before the final whistle. Raphinha admitted he did not yet know the extent of the problem and said the team would speak with Flick and the medical staff to learn more.

Real Madrid Are Already in Barcelona’s Sights

Barcelona will not have much time to dwell on the defeat. Their next major challenge is Real Madrid, with El Clásico looming this weekend and an immediate opportunity to respond to what happened in Paris.

Flick will have several days to review the mistakes against PSG, get his players physically ready and determine whether Olmo will be available, but Raphinha has already made the dressing room’s position clear.

Asked whether the defeat could affect Barcelona heading into El Clásico, his answer was emphatic: “It can’t affect it at all.”

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Raphinha’s Message Ahead of El Clásico

Raphinha played down Barcelona’s first defeat of the season and pointed to the difficulty of facing the back-to-back European champions.
The Brazilian said he finished the match feeling strong physically after returning to the starting lineup.
Ahead of Real Madrid, he was clear: the defeat to PSG cannot affect Barcelona at all.