Barcelona captain Raphinha has insisted that the club’s 4-2 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain will not affect their preparations for Sunday’s El Clásico against Real Madrid.
Speaking after the match at the Parc des Princes, the Brazilian was asked whether the setback could have an impact on the high-profile La Liga encounter.
According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on X on Wednesday, Raphinha responded simply: “No.”
The Barcelona forward played down the defeat, stressing that his team had competed against the reigning European champions on their home ground and that the focus had already shifted to the meeting with Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou.
Raphinha also suggested that Barcelona could face PSG again in the Champions League later in the campaign.
He said: “There are big chances of meeting PSG on our way again in UCL this season.
“Why not? They are back to back champions and we want to win the UCL, two top teams fighting for the title… there are good possibilities.”
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Meanwhile, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick indicated that midfielder Rodri would be fresh for Sunday’s derby after being rested against PSG following his involvement with the national team.
Flick said: “Yes. He played a lot of minutes with the national team, also. At the end, Rodri is fresh for Sunday.”
Barcelona will now turn their attention to Real Madrid as they look to put the European defeat behind them and prepare for one of the most anticipated fixtures of their domestic campaign.
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