Raphinha has no doubt that Barcelona are more than good enough to face Real Madrid home and away after their emphatic 7-0 demolition of Real Valladolid.
Barca have made it four wins from four under Hansi Flick in La Liga and Raphinha shone brightest in a scintillating display as the Brazilian winger scored a hat-trick,
This means the Blaugrana are already seven points clear of rivals Real Madrid, who host Real Betis on Sunday.
The arrival of Kylian Mbappe at the Santiago Bernabeu and Barcelona’s continued financial turmoil off the pitch have given rise to many pre-season predictions that anticipated Los Blancos winning the title.
Although we are still in the early stages of thinking, early signs suggest that something quite different could be happening.
Barca’s biggest transfer window acquisition Dani Olmo scored his second goal in as many appearances, two more than Mbappe in La Liga so far.
Summer speculation has also linked Barcelona with a move for Nico Williams to recreate the Athletic Club winger’s devastating link-up with Lamine Yamal at Euro 2024.
Had that transfer gone through, Raphinha would have been the odd man out and the former Leeds United hero is clearly determined to leave no doubt about his own qualities.
“Today’s game taught us that there is no need for more players to come in. We are in very good shape,” he told reporters.
“The team gives its best in matches and training. Today’s result shows that we work hard.”
Barcelona resume action after the September international break with a Catalan derby against Girona.
