Thursday , 5 June 2025
Home International Sports Football Raphinha hits double as ruthless Barcelona end winless run
FootballInternational Sports

Raphinha hits double as ruthless Barcelona end winless run

Raphinha inspired Barcelona to a thumping victory at Mallorca as they ended a three-game winless run.

The Brazil international found the net twice in the second half as Hansi Flick’s men moved four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.

With the sides level at the break, Raphinha’s crucial first goal came in the 56th minute from the penalty spot after the returning Lamine Yamal was fouled in the box.

Teenager Yamal then found his captain with a sublime cross using the outside of his foot 18 minutes later, which Raphinha slotted in for his 11th league goal of the season.

Second-half substitutes Frenkie De Jong and Pau Victor put the gloss on the victory with two goals in five minutes as Barcelona bounced back from Sunday’s defeat to Las Palmas in style.

With top scorer Robert Lewandowski on the bench, Flick’s decision to start Torres paid off after the former Manchester City forward gave the visitors a 12th-minute lead following a terrible defensive mix-up.

The hosts pegged the La Liga leaders back on the stroke of half-time after Samu Costa freed Pablo Maffeo beyond Barcelona’s offside trap and the right-back slipped in Vedat Muriqi to level.

Next up for Barcelona is a trip to Real Betis on Saturday, while Mallorca visit Celta Vigo.

Related Articles

Qatar Airways named Official Airline Partner of FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Award-winning carrier follows series of recent commercial announcements ahead of the FIFA...

UFC to return to Paris for fight night on 6 September

The UFC has confirmed it will host a Fight Night event at...

Manchester City agree €55m deal for AC Milan midfielder Reijnders

Manchester City have reached an agreement with AC Milan to sign Netherlands...

Alcaraz powers past Paul to reach French Open semi-finals

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz delivered a masterclass at Roland Garros as he...