\n
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) \u2014 From scoring goals to encouraging his teammates and coaches, Rafinha is back in shape and doing just about everything for Barcelona again.<\/p>\n
The Brazilian forward returned from six weeks out injured and showed the same form and fight as before. Fueling Barcelona’s domestic doubles<\/span> Last season, he also had a notable performance in the Champions League.<\/p>\nRafinha scored or provided an assist in consecutive wins and helped his team regain first place in the Spanish league from Real Madrid. Barcelona lead their rivals by one point after the 14th round.<\/p>\n
Barcelona next face a difficult match against Real Betis on Saturday, the day before Madrid host Celta Vigo.<\/p>\n
key match<\/h2>\n
Betis are unbeaten in eight games in all competitions, and are improving by defeating Sevilla 2-0 in the Sevilla derby. Anthony and Pablo Fornals led Manuel Pellegrini’s side to fifth place.<\/p>\n
madrid is leaving 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao<\/span> This relieves pressure on coach Xabi Alonso, who has now drawn three games in a row. Madrid must not get too carried away as they look ahead to next week’s Champions League match against Manchester City.<\/p>\nThird-placed Villarreal face a surprising seventh-placed Getafe on Saturday, while fourth-placed Atl\u00e9tico Madrid face Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.<\/p>\n
Featured players<\/h2>\n
Rafinha is once again a force on the field for Barcelona with his pressure, speed and attacking contribution.<\/p>\n
He provided a spark by scoring the equalizing goal. 3-1 victory over Atl\u00e9tico<\/span> On Tuesday, his pressure to win the ball back was contagious.<\/p>\nBut during last week’s game, Raphinha was seen slumped in the dugout seat, leaning over Hansi Flick. 3-1 come-from-behind victory over Alaves<\/span>The sight of players talking to a clearly deflated coach highlights his important role as a motivator for the team.<\/p>\nFlick later said he was “strong enough for anything this season”, adding that he was just trying to cool down in a down moment after a game that ended with two red cards for members of the bench.<\/p>\n
However, he also praised Raphinha in his press conference before the game against Betis on Friday.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur relationship is very good,\u201d Frick said. “I have said many times that Rafa is a very important player for us. He initiates dynamic movements into the press. He is a great player for the team.”<\/p>\n
After scoring two goals in the win against Alaves, Rafinha spoke about how he motivated the team.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt can be painful at times, but I think it\u2019s important,\u201d he said. “There are a lot of moments where my teammates think I’m talking too much or demanding too much. But that’s who I am. I demand more from people I know can do more.”<\/p>\n
Last season, Rafinha was key to Barcelona winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey and reaching the Champions League semi-finals. He had a big breakout season, scoring 34 goals and dishing out 26 assists in 56 games.<\/p>\n
Activity suspended<\/h2>\n
Barcelona will be without midfielder Dani Olmo, who scored against Alaves and Atl\u00e9tico, due to injury, while Betis will be without Isco Alarc\u00f3n.<\/p>\n
Madrid will be without both right-backs this week after Trent Alexander-Arnold placed Dani Carvajal on injured reserve.<\/p>\n
off the field<\/h2>\n
Barcelona announced on Friday that versatile defender Eric Garcia has agreed to a contract extension until 2031.<\/p>\n
___<\/p>\n
AP Soccer: https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/soccer<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
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