Barcelona’s Raphinha experiment shapes Champions League push
Barcelona open their Champions League campaign against Feyenoord after a prolific domestic start, with Raphinha’s central role and Rodri’s arrival strengthening Hansi Flick’s side.
Barcelona begin their Champions League campaign against Feyenoord on Wednesday after scoring 17 goals and conceding two in their first four league matches.
Hansi Flick’s decision to move Raphinha from the left wing into a central role has coincided with six goals in four matches. The change has also allowed Barcelona to adjust their attacking structure while reducing the forward’s workload, according to CBS Sports.
The club’s broader challenge is to turn its domestic momentum into European success. Barcelona have won LaLiga in back-to-back seasons but have not lifted the Champions League since 2014–15. They have reached at least the quarter-finals in each of the past three seasons.
Rodri’s reported arrival from Manchester City has added further focus to the team’s midfield and defensive balance. CBS Sports cited a transfer fee of almost US$70 million and a contract running until 2030, while analyst Thierry Henry compared the midfielder’s influence with that of former Barcelona anchor Sergio Busquets.
Barcelona are listed at -1205 to beat Feyenoord, with Feyenoord at +2200 and the draw at +1000, according to the CBS Sports preview. Those figures reflect the betting market rather than a result.
