“I make the changes thinking about the team,” Barcelona manager Xavi on Raphinha’s frustration after being substituted in the clash against Manchester United

Xavi talks about Raphinha's reaction.


“I make the changes thinking about the team,” Barcelona manager Xavi on Raphinha’s frustration after being substituted in the clash against Manchester United

FC Barcelona star Raphinha frustrated after the substitution. (Image via Getty)

FC Barcelona star, Raphinha was playing brilliantly against Manchester United on Thursday, but he was enraged when manager Xavi substituted him. Raphinha’s response was discussed by Xavi during the post-match conference.

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The Brazilian scored and assisted a goal for his club while also posing a threat to Manchester United. After being replaced in the 83rd minute, he became furious and punched the seat in the dugout. “I’ve spoken to Xavi,”  Raphinha remarked after the game. “I take this opportunity to apologise to everyone, the coach, Ferran, the team, and the fans, but sometimes you want to help so badly that you can’t control it.”

“I see and understand Raphinha’s anger, I was also angry. I make the changes thinking about the team and not to point fingers at anyone. Raphinha has apologized to me, but he didn’t have to. I see it as positive that everyone wants to play,”  Xavi defended him and stated in the post-match conference. After his outstanding performance, the winger will want to keep his spot and will concentrate on playing against Cadiz on Monday.

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Match summary of FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United

Manchester United vs. FC Barcelona. (Image via Reuters)

Both FC Barcelona and Manchester United started on the front foot and neither of the managers compromised with their attack. While Barcelona, in their true Cruyfian psychology, looked to retain the ball and build attacks from the back, Eric ten Hag showed the world that he can make full use of the tools in his shed with meticulous mastery. While Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski constituted the chief attacking outlets for the Blaugrana, it was the Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes trifecta that kept the Catalan defence on its toes.

Both sides had early scoring chances but were unable to convert. Marc-André ter Stegen produced a vital stop to deny Rashford from a difficult angle to go into the break with no goals on the board. In the 50th minute, Marcos Alonso put Barcelona ahead from a Raphinha corner. Rashford latched on to a Fred through ball and snuck it through ter Stegen’s near post to level the scores within 3 minutes. Rashford has been in excellent form this season, scoring 22 goals in all competitions. The score was 2-1 when Jules Koundé deflected the ball into his own net. Raphinha’s goal sparked a comeback for Barcelona.

The Barcelona player shouted handball since Fred had a blatant handball in the penalty area, but the referee did not signal to the spot and dismissed the plea. The rematch, which takes place next week at Old Trafford, will be thrilling.