Raphinha Leads Barcelona to Victory Over Real Madrid With Match-Winning Brace in 2026 Final

Raphinha once again proved he is the heartbeat of FC Barcelona after delivering a match-winning performance in the 2026 final against Real Madrid. The Brazilian international scored twice in El Clásico, guiding the Blaugrana to victory and reaffirming his status as the club’s most decisive player on the biggest stage.

Barcelona have leaned heavily on Raphinha in their last two finals, and he has responded in spectacular fashion. In both the 2025 and 2026 finals, the winger produced a brace, carrying the team through moments of maximum pressure. His influence went beyond the goals — he led by example.

Days before the match, head coach Hansi Flick publicly criticized Raphinha’s omission from FIFA’s Team of the Year, calling the decision unfair after a season full of goals and assists. Raphinha turned that frustration into fuel on the pitch.

The Brazilian had already sent a warning in the semifinal against Athletic Club, where he scored twice to book Barça’s place in the final. Against Real Madrid, he took full responsibility from the opening whistle. While Xabi Alonso’s side focused their pressure on Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha relentlessly attacked the open spaces, punishing Madrid on every transition.

His first goal came just after the half-hour mark. Following a fast counterattack led by Fermín López, Raphinha received the ball inside the box and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike to open the scoring and swing momentum in Barcelona’s favor.

In the second half, as Real Madrid pushed forward and briefly regained control,

Raphinha struck again. Racing down the right flank, he capitalized on Ferran Torres’ feint before firing a shot that deflected slightly off Raúl Asencio, leaving Thibaut Courtois helpless and sealing the 3–2 victory.

That goal marked Raphinha’s seventh against Real Madrid in his last five Clásicos and his 11th of the 2025–26 season, despite missing matches through injury. With 67 goals in 162 appearances for Barcelona, Raphinha continues to define the attacking identity of Hansi Flick’s Barça and cement his legacy as the club’s clutch performer in El Clásico.