Four days before Barcelona host Real Madrid, their captain’s post-match verdict carried no doubt. Raphinha played his first start since returning from a hamstring issue and refused to accept that losing in Paris had changed anything about what comes next.
“We wanted to come away with a win or a point, whatever, but it’s no big deal; these things happen when they’re meant to, and in the end we’ve only dropped three points,” Raphinha told Movistar after the match.
Pressed on whether the night at Parc des Princes could leak into the Clasico, he cut it off.
“It can’t affect it at all.”
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Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz settle it late
Désiré Doué opened the scoring in the 38th minute before Xavi Espart equalised in the 55th and Lucas Hernández restored the hosts’ lead in the 72nd. Lamine Yamal struck again for Barcelona in the 79th, only for Vitinha to settle it two minutes later and Fabián Ruiz to seal the result in the 86th, per ESPN’s match report.
Raphinha was not budging on the performance.
“They are a very well-drilled side. Despite today’s result, we competed well. Both teams like to play with the ball and we had possession. It was a good test and shows we can compete.”
Olmo limps off
Barcelona also lost Dani Olmo to injury during the match, a fresh problem for Hansi Flick in a congested week.
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The 29-year-old Brazilian had barely trained in the lead-up. His role at Parc des Princes was planned around a reduced workload after a hamstring issue sidelined him through the autumn.
“After all, I’ve had less than a week’s training, and this was the plan, to play fewer minutes. I finished the match feeling good and strong.”
He could not clarify Olmo’s problem.
“I don’t know what happened to Dani, and now we’ll speak to the manager and the doctor to find out what happened.”
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Mourinho returns to the Clasico
La Liga’s confirmed schedule has Barcelona hosting Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday, October 25, with kick-off at 9pm local time. It is the first Clasico of 2026-27 and the first since José Mourinho returned as Real Madrid head coach in June.
“We’ll see what the manager has to say about how we can improve and be in good shape for the Clasico,” Raphinha added.
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