Raphinha holds the edge over Simeone ahead of Atletico Madrid v Barcelona

Raphinha will face Diego Simeone for the 11th time when Barcelona visit Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Sunday, 08 November 2026, with the Brazilian boasting a dominant record against the Argentine manager.

The Barcelona forward has won eight of their previous 10 meetings, drawing once and losing once. He has also made eight direct contributions, scoring two goals and providing six assists.

Barcelona’s most recent La Liga victory over Atletico Madrid came without Raphinha in the team. That result was the only positive outcome for Atletico in the matches the Brazilian has missed.

Raphinha’s role has evolved under Hansi Flick, who changed his position and gave him new responsibilities before later using him as a central striker. Simeone has watched that development from the sidelines with considerable admiration, and the pair will meet again at the Metropolitano.

The Atletico manager first praised Raphinha two years ago, ahead of a meeting between the sides at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. Simeone described him as one of the best players in La Liga because of his ability to break through defensive lines, his courage and his style of play.

Raphinha appeared to justify that assessment in the match, although Atletico secured a late victory through Alexander Sørloth.

Simeone returned to the subject a year later after Barcelona beat Atletico 3-1 at Spotify Camp Nou. Alex Baena gave the visitors the lead, but Raphinha equalised with one of his trademark runs behind the defence before Flick’s side completed the comeback.

Despite the defeat, Simeone delivered one of his strongest endorsements of the Barcelona player.

“I don’t know how Raphinha did not win the Ballon d’Or. I would choose him,” he said.

“He appeals to me enormously. He can play in every position; wherever you put him, he can perform, and he scores wonderful goals.”

Raphinha has publicly expressed disappointment on more than one occasion at being left off shortlists for individual awards. Simeone, however, placed him at the top of the most prestigious individual prize shortly after Ousmane Dembele won it.

Several weeks later, Raphinha returned the compliment, saying: “I have great affection for Cholo. He is an exceptional coach and I have enormous respect for him.”

Raphinha was unavailable for the first leg of last season’s Copa del Rey knockout tie between the clubs. Atletico dominated, particularly in the first half, using counter-attacks and rapid transitions to overwhelm Barcelona.

Barcelona came within one goal of overturning a 4-0 first-leg defeat at Spotify Camp Nou. After the elimination, Raphinha was lying on the pitch when Simeone approached to console him and offered support in a fatherly manner.

Days before the second Copa del Rey meeting, Simeone again praised him, saying: “I like him a lot because every time he plays, it is enjoyable to watch his movements, his runs behind defenders, his ability to attack space and his work for the team.”

A late international-break injury that season also ruled Raphinha out of both of Barcelona’s Champions League matches.