Barcelona supporters were left stunned by what star player Raphinha was seen doing right after their semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.
On Wednesday night, the Spanish powerhouse secured a spot in the Copa del Rey final with a 1-0 triumph over Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their semi-final showdown.
Following an electrifying 4-4 draw at Camp Nou in the first leg last month, Ferran Torres’ goal at the Metropolitano proved decisive, setting up a highly anticipated final against their long-time rivals, Real Madrid. ..Continue Reading
Shortly after the match, footage surfaced online showing Raphinha in the tunnel, and fans were taken aback by his actions.
Between the two semi-final legs, a five-week break allowed many players from both teams to represent their national sides during the international window.
During this period, Brazil suffered a 4-1 defeat to their historic South American rivals Argentina in a World Cup qualifier—a match that saw Raphinha face harsh criticism from fans after fueling tensions in the lead-up.
However, after Barcelona’s Copa del Rey clash, the winger seemed to put that rivalry behind him as he was seen in the tunnel consoling Atletico Madrid and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, exchanging shirts in a show of sportsmanship.
Posting the clip on X, football pundit Sara Poraria wrote: “Raphinha is the definition of class. Meeting with Rodrigo de Paul post match to swap jerseys after Argentina beat Brazil 4-1 two weeks ago in the international break. Respeto.”
Another added: “Whatever happens at the national level stays at the national level. This is club side.”
While one Barcelona fan claimed: “This is Peak Leadership, a quality we haven’t had in years.”
And an Argentina fan explained: “For those who don’t know after the Brazil Argentina game inside, the Argentine players all talked to Raphinha and things were more than ok. It’s respect.”
The Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Real Madrid will take place on 26th of April at the La Cartuja stadium in Seville.
