Flick thrilled to have Raphinha back as Barcelona go top of LaLiga

Hansi Flick is delighted to have Raphinha back involved after the Barcelona forward made his mark on his return from injury.

Raphinha, who starred for Barca last season, has missed much of this season due to niggling injuries, but the Brazil attacker was back with a bang on Saturday.

He set up Dani Olmo’s first goal as the Spain international scored twice in a 3-1 win over Alaves, with Lamine Yamal netting Barca’s other goal at Camp Nou.

The victory took Flick’s team to the top of LaLiga, two points ahead of Real Madrid, with Xabi Alonso’s team in action on Sunday.

And Flick is thrilled to have one of his chief threats back in the fold.

“Raphinha is a player who gives us dynamism in our play,” Flick said.

“We’ve missed him, and for me, he’s important because he brings a lot of intensity.

“When he starts pressing, everyone is ready to join in. It’s very important that he’s back, and he’ll be important in the upcoming matches. For now, I’m happy with the three points.”

34 – Barcelona have scored in each of their last 34 matches in @LaLigaEN (90 goals), their best scoring streak in the competition since February 2019, under Ernesto Valverde (37 matches, 99 goals).

Punch. pic.twitter.com/UFCFtcXBF1

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 29, 2025

Flick, however, was not wholly impressed with Barca’s display, with Alaves having gone ahead through Pablo Ibanez in the opening minute.

Barca rounded off with 18 shots, while they also hit the post, accumulating chances worth 2.21 expected goals (xG), but Flick saw plenty of scope for improvement.

He added: “I’m happy we won the three points, but we have to improve many things.

“Among other things, we had chances but didn’t finish them. And that’s what we need to improve.”

Barca take on Atletico Madrid in a top-of-the-table clash on Tuesday.