Raphinha’s scoring run adds intrigue as Simeone prepares Atletico Madrid reunion

Raphinha will face Atletico Madrid on 08 November 2026 in the richest scoring form of his career, with the Barcelona forward having established himself as one of the team’s leading attacking threats.

The Brazil international has scored 15 goals in La Liga and four in the UEFA Champions League this season, giving him 19 goals in 13 official appearances. He has also scored twice in each of his past two matches, against Alaves and Aston Villa.

Those goals extended his scoring run to three consecutive games after he found the net in the clasico at Spotify Camp Nou. The sequence underlines how effectively Raphinha has recovered from the minor injury he suffered during Brazil’s first international break and returned to full fitness.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, the forward has been particularly effective inside the penalty area, combining relentless movement with his usual strength and pressing.

Simeone’s admiration

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone knows Raphinha’s qualities well and has been open about his admiration for the Barcelona player, whom he considers one of the best footballers in the world.

After Barcelona’s 3-1 La Liga victory at Spotify Camp Nou last season, Simeone said: “I don’t know how Raphinha hasn’t won the Ballon d’Or yet. I choose him to win it.”

The Argentine added: “I like him a lot. He can play in every position he is asked to occupy, and he scores wonderful goals.”

Raphinha possesses many of the qualities Simeone values: physical strength, competitiveness and determination, as well as a willingness to work for the team and an ability to decide matches.

Simeone also said: “I like him a lot because every time he plays, he is enjoyable to watch, whether through his movement, his runs away from his marker, his movement into space or his collective work.”

The respect is mutual. Raphinha has previously said: “I have a great affection for Cholo. He is an amazing manager and I respect him a lot.”

Strong record against Atletico

Raphinha has contributed directly to eight goals in 10 previous meetings with Atletico Madrid, scoring twice and providing six assists.

His absence was felt when the sides met in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League last season, although it is impossible to know how the tie might have changed had he been available. He missed the match because of a thigh injury.

Muscle problems also kept him out of the first leg of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico, which Barcelona lost 4-0. He was likewise unavailable for the La Liga meeting at the Metropolitano, where Hansi Flick’s side won 2-1.

Raphinha will arrive at the match with further confidence after extending his Barcelona contract until 30 June 2030, reinforcing his status as a central part of Hansi Flick’s plans for the coming years.