Raphinha happy to press as long as Barcelona win matches

Brazilian forward, Raphinha has revealed that he loves to press opponents as long as it helps Barcelona win matches, Softfootball understands.

The former Leeds United winger scored on Tuesday night as Barcelona defeated Atletico Madrid 3-1 at Camp Nou to extend their lead on top LaLiga table to four points but the gap can be reduced later today if Real Madrid defeat Athletic Bilbao.

Raphinha (Photo Credit: Fabrizio Romano Via X)

Speaking after the match as shared by football expert, Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, Raphinha: is aware of the pressing machine tag to his because of his style of play but he is just happy to help the team. He said:

🔵🔴 Raphinha: “Pressing machine? I want to defend Barça. The more we press, the better. We need that”.

“I’m happy to be back and to help Barça at my best”. pic.twitter.com/g4v566rSC9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 3, 2025

In a separate interview shared via the official X handle of Fabrizio Romano, Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone is a huge admirer of Raphinha and wondered why the Brazilian was not named as the Ballon D’Or winner which was won by Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé. He said:

I have no idea how Raphinha did not win the Ballon d’Or. He is an incredible player. He can play everywhere. As a winger, as a midfielder, as a striker, or even as a wing back. He can score, he can create, he presses and runs. I love Raphinha.

Atletico Madrid went in front through Álex Baena. The goal was initially ruled out for offside but after VAR check was allowed to stand. Raphinha, who annoys teammates sometimes by his own admission in a recent interview, stepped up and equalised for the Catalan giants.

Raphinha of Barcelona (Photo Credit: Barcelona via X)

Dani Olmo scored the second for Hansi Flick’s men after receiving a fine pass from Robert Lewandowski and finished in style before he was substituted with what looked like a shoulder injury. Ferran Torres scored the third goal deep into extra minutes to make it 3-1.

Barcelona will be back in action next Saturday against Real Betis before hosting Bundesliga side, Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League Match-Day 6 on Tuesday.