Raphinha rallies Barcelona dressing room after PSG defeat ahead of El Clasico

Raphinha rallies Barcelona dressing room after PSG defeat ahead of El Clasico Raphinha has urged his FC Barcelona teammates to put their Champions League disappointment behind them and turn their attention to Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid, according to journalist Santi Ovalle on Cadena SER (h/t SPORT .) The Brazilian addressed the squad in the dressing room after the Catalans’ 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain , attempting to lift spirits and ensure the European setback did not undermine the team’s confidence ahead of one of the biggest fixtures of the season. With the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu approaching just days after the PSG loss, Raphinha’s message was centred on maintaining composure, continuing to work and keeping the squad focused on its immediate objectives. The forward’s intervention also underlined his growing importance as a leader within Hansi Flick’s squad. Having returned to the starting lineup against PSG, Raphinha took responsibility after the final whistle and is expected to feature prominently again against Real Madrid. Raphinha urges Barcelona to move on from PSG disappointment Raphinha returned to the starting XI vs PSG. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images) Barcelona have little time to dwell on their European defeat, with El Clasico offering an immediate opportunity to respond. According to Ovalle, Raphinha wanted his teammates to retain their belief in the team’s work rather than allow one disappointing result to affect their approach to the next match. There is also a sense within the Barça camp that the circumstances surrounding the PSG game played a part in the outcome such as the absences of Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde, as well as the absence of Rodri in the starting XI. The assessment reflects the belief that Barcelona could have given PSG a stronger contest with a fuller squad. Raphinha’s leadership to be key Raphinha returned to the starting lineup against PSG and took on a leadership role after the match. Having missed part of Barcelona’s campaign because of fitness problems, he is regaining prominence at a crucial point in the season. Raphinha will be key vs Real Madrid. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images) His influence in the dressing room could prove particularly valuable ahead of the Clasico , which arrives only days after the European disappointment. Raphinha is expected to start against Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou, although the final lineup will depend on Flick’s selection decisions and the condition of the available players. Beyond his contribution on the pitch, the Brazilian’s effort to lift the squad may also help the team approach the game without allowing the PSG result to dominate its thinking. Raphinha’s intervention addresses an important challenge for Barcelona: recovering mentally from a disappointing European result before another high-pressure fixture arrives. A strong display against Real Madrid would help restore momentum after the European setback.