Rafinha Rejoins Barca: The Energizer Shot Barcelona Needs Before the Clasico

Rafinha's Return: Barca's Energizer Before the Clasico

Barcelona has high hopes for the return of the Brazilian Rafinha, now seen as a decisive weapon in Hans Flick's system to revive the team's spirit and reassert its identity ahead of the Clasico against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on October 26.

After a stretch of worrying results, notably losses to Paris Saint-Germain (1-2) and Sevilla (4-1), the Catalan club understands that restoring the best version of their Brazilian star could unlock Flick's project in his first season.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barca officials see Rafinha as a central pillar in Flick's structure, not only for last season's numbers (34 goals and 23 assists) but also for his leadership and the high press that embodies the coach's philosophy.

Barca believes he must first regain balance before rejoining the lineup, especially after signing a contract through 2028, with hopes he will reclaim his leadership on and off the pitch and help preserve harmony in the locker room away from ego.

Rafinha was more than a supporting winger for Lewandowski last season, finishing second in the team's scorer chart with 34 goals behind the Polish star (42), and topping the assist list with 23, ahead of Lamine Yamal (21).

He was among the most-used players in minutes (4,661) and second in appearances (57 matches, 53 of them starts).

Not only did Rafinha shine domestically, but he also topped the Champions League scoring chart with 13 goals, tied with Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund, finishing fifth in the Ballon d'Or rankings ahead of Kylian Mbappe.

The Barca side, enjoying an exceptional season under Flick and close to lifting all trophies at the start of his tenure, relied on pillars like Inigo Martinez in defense, Pedri's cleverness in midfield, and the form of Lewandowski and Yamal up front.

Nevertheless, Barca's elevated performances would not have happened without Rafinha's contributions, making him a cornerstone in Flick's squad. Fans are waiting for his potential return against Girona next Saturday, as the team navigates a delicate moment before the big clashes.

The lack of sharpness and high pressing in the Sevilla game exposed Barca's need for Rafinha's energy and enthusiasm, with young defender Pau Kobarci noting that opportunities start from the top, highlighting the value of attacking pressure that was missing in that match.

With Gavi out until February or March, and with Rafinha back after the international break, the squad will rely on other attackers to fill in for Olmo's absence, and Rafinha is expected to provide a major attacking boost and lift the team's spirit.

The report says Barca's confidence in Rafinha is absolute after extending his contract to 2028, as he approaches 29 in December and prepares to feature for Brazil at the next World Cup with a higher standing thanks to his showing at Camp Nou.

In the dressing room, Flick urged to purge selfishness after the draw with Rayo Vallecano (1-1); Rafinha's leadership is deemed essential to inject discipline and sacrifice into the group.

Flick places great trust in his fourth captain, who does not shy away from confronting teammates as Rafinha used to do with Inigo Martinez, but he must first regain his real level to transfer his energy to the whole squad.

Thus Rafinha's return seems a huge morale and technical boost for Barcelona at a critical moment, as Flick hopes his Brazilian star's resurgence will mark a new start to revive the team's spirit before the clash with Real Madrid.

Rafinha was born in Porto Alegre in 1996, began his professional career with Avai in Brazil, before his European journey started at Vitória de Guimarães in Portugal, where his pace and wing skills drew attention.

He then moved to Sporting CP, followed by Leeds United in 2020, becoming one of the team's standouts in the Premier League thanks to his precise passes and knack for decisive finishes.

In the summer of 2022, Rafinha joined Barcelona in a deal around 60 million euros, fulfilling his dream of playing for the Catalan club.

In his first season, Rafinha contributed goals and decisive assists that helped Barca win the Spanish league, and he continued to shine under Flick's leadership.

He also became a key member of the Brazil national team, having featured for the Selecao in the 2022 World Cup, establishing himself as one of the premier wingers in modern football.

As the season nears a crossroads, Rafinha's return could provide a much-needed spark for Barca's style and balance, fueling confidence ahead of the Clasico against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Rafinha's origins: Born Porto Alegre; started with Avai; moved to Portugal with Vitória de Guimarães; later joined Sporting CP and then Leeds United before making the move to Barcelona in 2022. His career path reflects a winger’s climb through Brazil, Portugal, England, and Spain, all roads leading back to Camp Nou.

Punchline 1: If Rafinha brings the heat, the ball might need a sunblock—this is going to get spicy at the Bernabeu.

Punchline 2: Barça's plan is simple: press hard, score more, and pretend the defense isn’t there—because in football, sometimes the best joke is a goalkeeper picking the ball out of the net twice.