Barcelona 6 Valencia 0: The Reason Raphinha Was Dropped From Hansi Flick's Starting Line-up
- Raphinha was unexpectedly left out of Barcelona’s starting XI, leaving fans speculating what prompted Flick’s bold move
- Roony Bardghji got a full debut while the sidelined captain returned off the bench to turn a tense match into a 6–0 rout
- The explosive Brazilian cameo hides the real reason for his benching, a strict lesson from Flick proving no one is untouchable
Barcelona fans were left scratching their heads when the teamsheet for their La Liga clash with Valencia dropped on Sunday, September 14.
One name, normally untouchable and wearing the captain’s armband, was missing - Blaugrana's captain Raphinha.
Source: Getty Images
Instead, all eyes turned to teenage star Roony Bardghji, who was handed his full debut in a game where Hansi Flick’s side needed firepower, with Ballon d'Or contender Lamine Yamal missing out through injury.
The gamble seemed risky, benching one of Barca’s most influential attackers against a tricky opponent, but the move paid off in a way no one expected.
By half-time, Barcelona were just a goal up. Flick turned to his captain, throwing Raphinha into the action, and the Brazilian responded in ruthless fashion.
According to Flashscore, within nine minutes, Raphinha struck twice, turning a tense game into a demolition. With further goals from Fermin Lopez and Robert Lewandowski, Barca steamrolled Valencia 6–0, leaving many wondering why their leader hadn’t started in the first place.
Raphinha’s explosive cameo only fueled speculation, with supporters debating whether Flick was testing new ideas or concealing a fitness concern.
Why Hansi Flick benched Raphinha vs. Valencia
According to The Athletic, Raphinha took the bold decision because the ex-Premier League star had been late to a pre-match muscle activation session that very morning.
As such, Flick wasted no time showing that no player, not even his captain, is above the rules.
Meanwhile, social media buzzed with theories, outrage, and even humor as fans tried to make sense of Flick’s decision to sideline their captain.
Check out some of the comments on X below.
@Vpower:
''You donn't drop your captain before a big game unless something serious happened. Flick doesn’t play games.”
Kwame_ViscaBarca:
“Roony Bardghji starting? Love the kid, but benching Raphinha feels like a gamble. Brave or crazy?”
Source: Getty Images
@LeoG14:
“Only Flick would punish our captain and still win 6–0. Respect.”
@SergioIop:
“Raphinha looked like a man possessed when he came on—maybe Flick planned it all along?”
@AnaCamp:
“First Xavi, now Flick… why do our coaches love drama with our best players?”
@ValenciaSufferer21:
“Imagine being Valencia, preparing all week for Raphinha, only for him to come off the bench fresh and score twice. Brutal.”
@Kwame_GHJ:
“That’s leadership. Benched or not, Raphinha proved he’s Barca’s warrior.”
@YAWLeagueE:
“Ex-Leeds boy turning up like that? Still the same fire. Flick might regret playing with him.”
@LolaMadridista:
“As a Real Madrid fan, I’m laughing—Flick punishes his captain and still wins 6–0. Terrifying.”
Raphinha’s Saudi transfer revelation
YEN.com.gh previously revealed that Raphinha came close to sealing a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League before committing his future to Barcelona.
The Brazilian admitted he was tempted by a big-money offer from Saudi Arabia, but ultimately chose to stay and fight for his place at Camp Nou.
Source: YEN.com.gh
