In what was undeniably one of their most disappointing performances of the current season, FC Barcelona managed only a 1-1 draw against Real Betis at the Montjuïc Stadium. The result was a major letdown for fans, who had been eager to see the team take full advantage of Real Madrid’s unexpected defeat to Valencia. That loss had provided Barcelona with a golden opportunity to strengthen their position at the top of the league standings. However, due to a disjointed and uninspired showing on the pitch, that opportunity was ultimately squandered.
According to a report by the Spanish news outlet El Nacional, emotions ran high behind closed doors after the final whistle. Inside the locker room, winger Raphinha openly criticized his teammate, the young Lamine Yamal, holding him accountable for missing several clear scoring opportunities. Raphinha reportedly accused Yamal of playing in a self-centered manner, excessively attempting to dribble past defenders rather than making smarter, team-oriented decisions. In Raphinha’s view, this selfish approach disrupted several promising attacking sequences that could have resulted in a crucial win.
Raphinha’s remarks were not subtle—he made it clear that he expected head coach Hansi Flick to address the situation directly. He emphasized the importance of team cohesion and warned that if players continue to prioritize personal glory over the collective success of the squad, it could severely undermine the club’s ambitions. At such a critical juncture in the season, Raphinha stressed that unity and teamwork are essential.
This post-match confrontation serves as a reflection of the intense pressure surrounding Barcelona’s quest for the league title. It underscores the need for the coaching staff and players to resolve any internal tensions swiftly and effectively, before they escalate further and threaten the team’s momentum and morale.
