Raphinha signs Barcelona deal to 2030 ahead of Atletico clash
Raphinha has 19 goals in 13 games this season as a number nine, Citizen Digital reported. League leaders Barcelona visit second-placed Atletico Madrid, who are two points behind, on Sunday.
Barcelona forward Raphinha signed a new contract until 2030 on Thursday, Citizen Digital reported. The 29-year-old Brazilian is in top form before Sunday's top-of-the-table game against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano stadium. Atletico are second in La Liga, two points behind the reigning champions. Raphinha is playing a role Barcelona had planned for Atletico striker Julian Alvarez. According to the report, Alvarez tried to force a move to Barca, and the club's approach angered Atletico. The Spanish football federation fined Barcelona around 600 euros ($675) over the approach in October. Alvarez stayed in Madrid and later apologised to Atletico fans. Barcelona moved on quickly. Once it became clear Alvarez would not arrive, coach Hansi Flick shifted Raphinha, usually a winger, to centre forward. Raphinha now has 19 goals in 13 appearances across all competitions. Alvarez has two goals in 11 appearances. Atletico supporters whistled him early in the season, though he has improved in recent weeks. Citizen Digital said Raphinha's form makes a Barca return for Alvarez next summer unlikely. Barcelona won their first 11 games of the season in all competitions. They then lost twice in a row: 4-2…
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