Barcelona captain Raphinha was back in the starting XI on Tuesday night against PSG but couldn’t prevent his side from suffering their first defeat of the campaign.
The Champions League holders won 4-2 at Parc des Princes in a thrilling game that saw Xavi Espart and Lamine Yamal on target for the visitors.
Raphinha spoke to the media after the defeat and admitted he was disappointed with the result but feels the game shows Barca can compete with PSG.
Raphinha downplayed the result, stressing that Barcelona had competed well against the back-to-back European champions on their home ground.
He noted that the team had only dropped three points and that the focus had already shifted to preparing for Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou.
The forward also suggested a possible future reunion with PSG in the Champions League.
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.”
Manager Hansi Flick supported the squad’s readiness by confirming he had deliberately rested midfielder Rodri against PSG.
He said, “Yes. He played a lot of minutes with the national team, also,” Flick said. “At the end, Rodri is fresh for Sunday.”
Barcelona now turn their full attention to the Clásico, determined to put the Paris setback behind them.
