Barcelona will face Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano today in a crucial Copa del Rey semi-final. After a thrilling 4-4 draw in the first leg, all options remain open for the second leg, and one player has decided to step forward: Rafinha.
According to reports from the Spanish newspaper ‘‘El Nacional‘‘, the Brazilian winger, who missed the last two matches after returning from international duty due to fatigue, spoke directly to coach Hansi Flick to confirm his full readiness and his best performance for the decisive match. His message was clear: he wants to be a key player and contribute to the team’s quest for the title.
Rafinha has had a fantastic season so far. Despite suffering from some injuries and physical problems, he has managed to become a key component of Flick’s plan. His speed, dribbling skills, and ability to create attacking opportunities have been crucial at key moments, and now he seeks to prove it in what could be a decisive match in Barcelona’s season. The Brazilian is fully aware that Atlético Madrid will be a tough opponent, especially at home, but he is relying on his experience and ability to make a difference in the Blaugrana’s attack.
Despite Rafinha’s desire to start, Hansi Flick will make the final decision based on an assessment of his fitness. The German coach is aware of Rafinha’s importance to the team, but he also knows the need to manage his efforts carefully during this crucial period of the season.
Barcelona has multiple attacking options, with players such as Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, but Rafinha’s experience and quality could be the deciding factor in a match of this magnitude. All indications suggest that Flick will make his decision in the hours before the match, based on the player’s performance in the final training session.
The match against Atlético Madrid is one of the most important of Barcelona’s season. Reaching the Copa del Rey final is a great motivation for the team, and players like Rafinha are undoubtedly striving to be a key part of that challenge. If the Brazilian succeeds in convincing Flick, he will have the opportunity to shine on this difficult pitch and once again prove himself as a key player in Barcelona’s project. With his ambition and commitment, the Brazilian winger has demonstrated his complete readiness for the battle.