Barcelona winger Raphinha is finally hitting his best form and helping the Catalans cope without the injured Ousmane Dembele ahead of their trip to face Villarreal on Sunday. Dembele left the field hurt against Girona at the end of January, and Raphinha has stepped up to fill the gap despite an erratic start to his career at the club. Signed from Leeds United for around €55 million ($59 million) last summer, the Brazilian was often shunned in favour of the improving Dembele. However, with the former Borussia Dortmund forward out for up to five weeks, Raphinha has ensured the team has not stumbled in his absence. The 26‑year‑old scored against Real Betis in a 2‑1 win on February 1 and again in the 3‑0 victory over Sevilla on Sunday, helping Barcelona open an eight‑point gap above second‑place Real Madrid.
Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres have been reduced to lesser roles as Raphinha claimed Dembele’s place, while midfielder Gavi is being deployed on the left of the attack. “Although there is outside criticism, we value his work,” said Xavi after the win over Sevilla. In addition to scoring, Raphinha set up a goal for Gavi with a razor‑sharp pass and played a significant part in Jordi Alba’s opener. “He’s intense, he attacks space, he gives us a lot in attack and is being decisive,” Xavi continued. “Now it might seem like he’s standing out more, but he’s an extraordinary player.” Raphinha had only been handed eight league starts before Barcelona faced Girona, and that inconsistency led to mixed performances.
Xavi must decide whether to start Raphinha on the right flank against Villarreal, with the first leg of the Europa League play‑off round against Manchester United looming on Thursday. Given Barcelona’s sizeable advantage in the top flight, he might keep the Brazilian in reserve and give Torres the opportunity to play on his favoured right side. A victory would move Barcelona 11 points clear of the champions, who are not playing this weekend because of their involvement in the Club World Cup.
Quique Setién’s Villarreal have been improving under the former Barcelona coach but suffered a shock 3‑1 defeat to bottom‑of‑the‑table Elche last weekend. It was Elche’s first win of the season and a bitter blow to the Yellow Submarine’s hopes of Champions League qualification. Villarreal are currently sixth, four points behind fourth‑place Atletico Madrid. “We must be self‑critical because this is a defeat that hurts,” said goalkeeper Pepe Reina. “It is a defeat that weighs heavily on us, but we continue onwards. We must analyse during the week what needs to be improved, because without a doubt there are many things.”
Player to watch: Gabri Veiga. The 20‑year‑old Celta Vigo midfielder hit a brace in his club’s thrilling 4‑3 win over Real Betis last weekend and is helping drive the Galicians away from danger. This weekend Veiga’s influence in midfield could be crucial as Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid visit Balaídos.
Key stats
– 7 – After losing their first five games, three of those at home, Cádiz have found solidity and are unbeaten in seven league matches at the Nuevo Mirandilla.
– 16 – Barcelona midfielder Pedri has played 16 through‑balls this season, more than any other player in the league, but curiously remains without an assist.
– 1503 – Villarreal playmaker Dani Parejo has touched the ball more times than any other player this season.
Fixtures
Friday: Cádiz v Girona (20:00)
Saturday: Almería v Real Betis (15:15), Sevilla v Real Mallorca (17:30), Valencia v Athletic Bilbao (20:00)
Sunday: Getafe v Rayo Valenciano (13:00), Celta Vigo v Atletico Madrid (15:15), Real Valladolid v Osasuna (17:30), Villarreal v Barcelona (20:00)
Monday: Espanyol v Real Sociedad (20:00)
AFP
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