The exploits put forth by Barcelona star Raphinha on Wednesday evening served as a perfect message on the part of the Brazilian, for the club’s board.
Wide-man Raphinha, of course, is fresh off a stellar display on the continent.
After Barcelona made the trip to France for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie with Paris Saint-Germain, the Brazilian international was trusted from the off by boss Xavi.
And, safe to say, he went on to fully vindicate his manager’s call.
En route to an eventual 3-2 triumph for his side at the Parc des Princes, Raphinha notched both his first and 2nd-ever goals in the Champions League.
The former Leeds United man’s first came courtesy of a cool finish at the back post, with his 2nd having proven of an altogether more spectacular nature, Pedri’s wonderful chipped assist finished in equally brilliant fashion on the volley.
The 2nd, in particular, came at an absolutely crucial juncture in proceedings in Paris, after Barcelona found themselves a goal down owing to a quick-fire pair of strikes on the part of Ousmane Dembélé, and Vitinha.
It was the kind of match-defining performance which so many of a Blaugrana persuasion have been calling out for from Raphinha since his arrival at the club all the way back in 2022.
Not only that, but it provided a reminder for the brass back in Catalunya’s capital of the difference which their gifted attacker can make, when firing on all cylinders.
Raphinha has of course been hotly tipped for a summer departure from Barcelona, amid intense interest by way of the Saudi Pro League.
Not only that, but Deco and his team of directors are understood to be taking his sale into real consideration.
On Wednesday night, the 27-year-old therefore let his feet do the talking, to show all associated with the La Liga champions precisely what they will be missing if he is ultimately moved on.
Conor Laird | GSFN
