Flick Welcomes Raphinha Back as Barca Eyes La Liga Title

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick expressed his joy on May 1, 2026, with the return of winger Raphinha from a hamstring injury. Raphinha's recovery significantly strengthens the squad as Barcelona is on the verge of winning the La Liga 2025-26 title. The Catalan club currently enjoys an impressive 11-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid. They could clinch their second consecutive league title this weekend with a victory against Osasuna and if Real Madrid falters against Espanyol.

Raphinha, who suffered his injury in March while representing Brazil, missed Barcelona's Champions League quarter-final exit. Coach Flick emphasized Raphinha's crucial role, stating, "He's one of our captains, he's positive and can give us these things that we need." Despite Raphinha's return, Barcelona will be without the promising teenage star Lamine Yamal, who is recovering from his own hamstring problem and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. Flick anticipates Yamal's return for the World Cup.

Barcelona still has the opportunity to match the all-time Spanish league record of 100 points, a feat previously achieved by Real Madrid in 2012 and Barcelona in 2013. Flick stated the team's focus remains on winning each of their remaining five league matches. He highlighted the team's philosophy of playing at their best level in every game, learning from each match to improve for the next.