Raphinha responds to being benched with a brace: Barça thrash Valencia 6-0

Barcelona forward Raphinha responded to being benched for being late to an activation session with a brace in the resounding 6-0 victory over Valencia in LaLiga.Fermín López and Robert Lewandowski also scored two goals each, totaling 10 points out of 12 for Barça in the league this season. In addition, Marc Bernal returned to action after 383 days out due to an anterior cruciate ligament rupture.Given Lamine Yamal’s injury, Raphinha was expected to start in the culé attack, but his absence was a surprise, as coach Hansi Flick gave the young Swede Roony Bardghji the opportunity.According to sources close to the club, Raphinha was excluded for arriving late to the pre-match activation session, a situation similar to that of Jules Koundé and Iñaki Peña on previous occasions.A misunderstanding and a slight delay were the cause of Raphinha’s lateness, who redeemed himself with two goals after replacing Bardghji at halftime.

Only 11 players can play, so we have a few more on the team, that’s what I can say.

Hansi Flick

Flick, in the press conference after the match, smiled when asked about Raphinha’s absence from the starting eleven.The coach also highlighted Raphinha’s attitude and mentality, as well as his desire to learn and play as a team.

The Blaugrana team took a 1-0 lead in the first half thanks to Fermín’s goal, who later scored his second goal in the 56th minute, after Raphinha’s goal.Fermín, who had been linked with a possible transfer, stated that he always wanted to stay at the club and that he will fight to remain many more years.Flick praised Fermín’s performance, but asked for caution.

I think we need to stay calm. Today is a big step for him. This is what I want to see in every match.

Hansi Flick

Raphinha extended the lead with the fourth goal, and then Lewandowski, who came off the bench, scored his first two goals of the season. Lewandowski’s second goal was assisted by Bernal, who had just entered the field.The appearance of Bernal marked his return after more than a year of absence due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The 18-year-old received a warm ovation from the 5,862 spectators at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.

After this long road of the injury, returning to the field, especially for him and his family, is a great moment.

Hansi Flick

Barcelona now focuses on the Champions League, where they will begin their European campaign with a difficult match against Newcastle United.Flick highlighted the quality of the English team and the atmosphere of the stadium in Newcastle.