By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
According to a report by Independent Newspaper, Barcelona forward Raphinha refused to accept the Man of the Match award after his standout performance in their 4-3 El Clasico victory over Real Madrid on Sunday. “I don’t deserve the Man of the Match award. I would have given it to someone else,” said the Brazilian winger, who scored twice in the tightly contested match held at the Barcelona Olympic Stadium.
Raphinha’s goals were instrumental in the Catalan club’s comeback from a 2-0 deficit. His second goal came from determined pressing, stealing the ball from Lucas Vazquez before finishing clinically. Despite his major contribution, Raphinha criticised aspects of his performance, including a missed opportunity that he called a sitter, expressing dissatisfaction in a post-match interview.
Barcelona’s head coach Hansi Flick echoed Raphinha’s mixed sentiments, celebrating the win but stressing the team’s need for improvement. “I am going to have to check my heart,” Flick joked, referencing the dramatic nature of the win. He highlighted the defensive lapses that allowed Madrid to score three goals, insisting the squad must tighten up to secure the league title.
This latest win strengthens Barcelona’s bid for a domestic double under Flick, with the Copa del Rey already secured following a victory over Madrid last month. With the club now seven points clear in La Liga, only three more points are needed to officially seal the title.
Despite their success domestically, Barcelona’s hopes for a treble ended with their Champions League semi-final exit to Inter Milan, who now face Paris Saint-Germain in the final. Still, Flick remains focused on the final league matches, reminding fans and players alike that “every opponent wants to beat us” as the season winds down.
