Barcelona has a secret weapon to triumph in the El Clasico against arch-rivals Real Madrid.
As the last El Clasico of the year approaches, Barcelona can practically feel La Liga greatness.
Arguably the biggest game in club football, Barcelona’s match against their biggest rival, Real Madrid, could be the decider in the title race.
Barcelona has dominated Real Madrid in each of their previous encounters under Hansi Flick, as they have already defeated Madrid in La Liga, in the Spanish Super Cup, and just recently in the Copa del Rey final.
While most people may mention the likes of Pedri or Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona player making a surprise impact on these matches has been Raphinha, 28, whose form has made him an asset against Madrid.
Raphinha has been a nightmare for Real Madrid as he has scored three goals and made two assists in the three Clásicos this year.
The most memorable performance was in the league, where he assisted Yamal to make it 3-0 before scoring to make it 4-0.
In the Spanish Super Cup, he scored twice, once to make it 3-1, then another to make it 5-1, plus assisting Alejandro Balde to score.
He didn’t score in the Copa del Rey final, but he was still a huge factor.
He has played for Madrid 10 times in his career and won 6, while contributing to 6 goal involvements (3 goals, 3 assists).
His speed, flair, and finishing have regularly exploited Madrid’s defense and made him central to Flick’s attacking unit.
Expect the Brazilian winger to produce another match-defining performance as Barcelona look to top off an impressive season against their great rivals, guaranteeing his place as the Blaugrana’s unlikely hero in this high-stakes clash.
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