Tension After the Whistle: Flick and Rafinha’s Post-Game Moment at Alavés

Match fallout and refereeing concerns

Barcelona's coach Hansi Flick was not smiling despite a 3-1 win over Deportivo Alavés, his face showing unease as he spoke at length with Rafinha after the final whistle. The moment sparked questions about what happened in the final minutes of the game.

Rafinha, Flick, and the post-match reality

According to the Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the uneasy look wasn't only about the performance but also about the refereeing and the lack of communication with the officials. The match saw De La Fuente and one of his assistants sent off for protest.

Flick said after the game that he was not entirely satisfied with Barca's level, even in victory, and that a greater collective improvement is needed for his ideas to translate on the pitch.

Camera footage from Dazon showed Flick's anxious expression and a clear exchange with Rafinha near the touchline, indicating serious concerns about what he had just witnessed.

TV3 later explained that the primary source of Flick's concern was referee behavior and communication rather than the tactical shape. “I asked the fourth official what happened; he said nothing. I missed some communication with him. If he had told me to calm my bench, I would have done it,” Flick said in the press conference.

Rafinha spoke about the dialogue with his coach, saying Flick believes the team could do much more while acknowledging that Barca aren't at their best yet. “We know we can perform better. The important thing today was the win. Mistakes will be fixed; we are confident we’ll return to our best and win by playing well, but if we have to win while playing poorly, that’s not a problem. The important thing is victory.”

Flick also praised Rafinha's return, saying he gives the team dynamism and is a very important piece. “It’s very good to have him back.”

Punchline: If football were a smoothie, Flick just added extra referee vibes to the blend.

Punchline 2: Rafinha returns, Barca win, and the only thing louder than the crowd is Flick's scoreboard-friendly silence—mission accomplished, apparently.