Hansi Flick hailed Raphinha after the Brazilian scored two objectives as Barcelona got here from behind to beat Celta Vigo on Saturday and transfer seven factors clear on the prime of La Liga.
Raphinha transformed a 98th-minute penalty as Flick’s facet averted an almighty scare after coming from 3-1 all the way down to win 4-3 at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
Ferran Torres had given Barca the lead after 12 minutes, however Borja Iglesias hit again for the guests simply three minutes later.
Iglesias added two extra objectives after the break to finish his hat-trick with the desk toppers – who reached the Champions League semi-final in midweek – effectively and really rattled.
Dani Olmo then pulled one again earlier than Raphinha levelled the rating 5 minutes later.
It appeared as if the hosts must accept some extent however deep into second-half stoppage time, Barcelona had been awarded a spot-kick, which the Brazilian duly transformed to spark jubilant scenes from the Barca camp.
FULL TIME!!!!
WHAT A COMEBACK!
WHAT A COMEBACK!
WHAT A COMEBACK!
WHAT A COMEBACK!#BARÇACELTA pic.twitter.com/PtCxHbhRcL— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 19, 2025
Nevertheless, striker Robert Lewandowski had earlier been compelled off with an damage that will rule him out of each the Copa del Rey remaining showdown with Actual Madrid subsequent weekend and the Champions League semi-final first-leg in opposition to Inter.
However the Barca boss remained in a optimistic temper after the sport.
“While you win, you want these video games,” stated Flick.
“We performed in opposition to a great staff, and I stated it yesterday within the press convention: they’ve a transparent concept of what they need with this coach.”
“I believe that everybody can see that the staff didn’t hand over, they did their finest for 90 minutes and we bought the three factors.”
Talking about his matchwinner, Flick was stuffed with reward: “Raphinha is essential, I like him, like the opposite gamers, however he’s a frontrunner, he at all times has that optimistic pondering that he manages to cross on to the remainder of his teammates.
“I advised him at half-time: ‘Come on, suppose positively, we’d like you on the pitch as a frontrunner.’ He then put in a terrific efficiency.”
With six league video games remaining, Barcelona sit reasonably comfortably on the prime of the desk. Actual Madrid, nonetheless, have a recreation in hand.
Los Blancos host Athletic Bilbao, recent from their Europa League quarter-final triumph in opposition to Rangers on Thursday, on the Bernabeu on Sunday.
