Barcelona's Champions League win confirms Raphinha's return to form

The Brazilian forward was the star of Barcelona's 7-2 victory over Newcastle, scoring two goals and assisting two more.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 6:41am

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Barcelona's 7-2 Champions League victory over Newcastle on Wednesday night was a double celebration for manager Hansi Flick. Not only did the team advance to the quarter-finals with an 8-3 aggregate win, but Raphinha, Barcelona's most important player, announced his return to top form with a standout performance. The Brazilian forward was involved in six of Barcelona's goals, scoring two and assisting two more, as well as winning a penalty and taking a free-kick that led to another goal.

Why it matters

Raphinha's performance confirmed his importance to Barcelona's team and their chances of European glory this season. The 29-year-old has struggled with injuries this campaign, missing several matches, but his dominant display against Newcastle showed he is back to his best just in time for the business end of the season.

The details

Raphinha was named the player of the match after his incredible display. He was involved in everything Barcelona did, scoring two goals, providing two assists, winning a penalty, and taking a free-kick that led to another goal. Flick had been keen to get Raphinha back to his best form, and the manager's decision to start him in the previous league game against Sevilla paid off as the forward scored a hat-trick.

  • On Wednesday, March 19, 2026, Barcelona defeated Newcastle 7-2 in the Champions League.
  • A month ago, Raphinha returned from a hamstring injury.

The players

Raphinha

A 29-year-old Brazilian forward who is Barcelona's most important player. He has struggled with injuries this season but showed his quality with a dominant performance against Newcastle.

Hansi Flick

The manager of Barcelona who has emphasized Raphinha's importance to the team and was keen to get him back to his best form.

Lamine Yamal

A Barcelona player who converted a penalty that Raphinha won.

Marc Bernal

A Barcelona player who scored a goal from the free-kick that Raphinha took.

Diego Simeone

The Atlético Madrid manager who praised Raphinha and said he should have won the Ballon d'Or.

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What they’re saying

“I can't understand why Raphinha did not win the Ballon d'Or. Honestly, I can't. He does everything, plays anywhere, scores all sorts of goals. If you ask me who's the best, I'd always choose him.”

— Diego Simeone

“Yes, I think I deserved much more recognition after last season. In the end it's something I can't control, as it's people and journalists voting on those awards. I try to control everything I do on a football pitch, and in there I believe I had a spectacular campaign. That's enough for me.”

— Raphinha

What’s next

Barcelona will face Atlético Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.

The takeaway

Raphinha's dominant performance against Newcastle confirmed his importance to Barcelona's team and their chances of European glory this season. Despite struggling with injuries, the Brazilian forward has shown he is one of the best players in the world and deserves more recognition for his achievements.