The race for the LaLiga title is again on after Barcelona have been shocked in an away journey, dropping 2-1 to Actual Sociedad as Raphinha was sorely missed within the assault. The Brazilian was absent with a thigh damage, throwing off the stability of Barcelona’s assault and offering room for Actual Sociedad to reap the benefits of the area created to interrupt Barcelona’s 11-game successful streak in all competitions.
American supervisor Pellegrino Matarazzo bought his ways spot on to win the match regardless of Barcelona dominating possession, holding the ball for 73% of the match. Matarazzo took cost at Sociedad through the LaLiga winter break and has been undefeated in his 4 video games in cost, drawing towards Atletico Madrid and now defeating Barcelona. These outcomes are pushing Sociedad up the desk as they’re in eighth place, inside putting distance of securing European soccer for subsequent season.
Dropping implies that Barcelona’s lead atop LaLiga has now shrunken to just one level over Actual Madrid, who’ve been navigating their very own disaster after transferring on from Xabi Alonso and appointing Alvaro Arbeloa as their supervisor. Los Blancos could also be out of the Copa Del Rey, however they will nonetheless finest Barcelona in Champions League and LaLiga play if Hansi Flick’s males do not get issues again on monitor.
Raphinha’s damage is one which’s anticipated to maintain him out long run, nevertheless it does showcase that the Brazilian is an irreplaceable member of the Barcelona assault. When he isn’t there, defenses can collapse on Lamine Yamal, making it tougher for Barcelona to get issues going. Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez have their second, however neither is as constant as Raphinha at making one thing out of nothing.
With an away journey to Slavia Praha in Champions League play on Wednesday (which you’ll be able to catch on Paramount+), Barcelona ought to be capable to get previous them even when Raphinha would not function, however his play within the new 12 months has been nothing wanting sensational. In 4 video games performed in 2026, Raphinha has been concerned in six objectives for Barcelona, and he’ll be essential to any success that they’ve.
Losses like this one are an excellent reminder that it is a lengthy season and with the ability to rotate is essential, so if Raphinha is not at 100% for Champions League play, there isn’t any purpose to push him as a result of it is clear how essential he’s to Barcelona’s long-term success.
