Raphinha Insists PSG Defeat 'Doesn't Affect El Clasico' After Barcelona's First Loss of the Season
Barcelona captain Raphinha has moved quickly to draw a line under his side's 4-2 Champions League defeat at Paris Saint-Germain, insisting the result will have no bearing on Sunday's El Clasico against Real Madrid.
The Brazilian returned to the starting XI at Parc des Princes on Tuesday night but was unable to prevent Barcelona from slipping to their first defeat of the campaign, as the reigning European champions ran out 4-2 winners in a thrilling contest. Xavi Espart and Lamine Yamal were the scorers for the visitors.
'Not the end of the world'
Speaking to Movistar after the final whistle, Raphinha was candid about the disappointment but refused to treat the result as a crisis, pointing to the quality of the opposition and the venue.
"We knew it could happen. We're facing the two-time European champions at their home ground. They're very strong. Obviously, we wanted to come away with a win or at least a point, but it's not the end of the world. This happens when it has to happen. We only dropped three points. We'll see what the manager tells us so we can improve and be ready for El Clasico," he said.
The Barcelona skipper also drew encouragement from the performance itself, arguing that his team matched PSG for long spells in a game between two sides who both prioritise possession.
"They're a very well-coached team. Despite the result, we competed well. They're both teams that like to have possession. I think it was a good test, and it shows we can compete. I think we played well," Raphinha added.
Captain admits he is still short of full fitness
Raphinha, who has been working his way back to full sharpness, conceded that his limited training time was a factor in his own display, but said he finished the match feeling strong and ready for the challenges ahead.
"I think I've had less than a week of training and this was expected to happen. I finished the match feeling good, strong, and now I'm focused on getting in better physical shape for the Clasico. This doesn't affect the Clasico at all," he said.
Barcelona eye an immediate response
The defeat leaves Barcelona looking to bounce back quickly, and there is little time for reflection with Real Madrid awaiting on Sunday. Raphinha's insistence that the result changes nothing in the build-up to El Clasico will be welcomed by the coaching staff, who must now lift a squad that had been unbeaten before the trip to Paris.
Barca will hope the loss proves a footnote rather than a turning point, with the captain himself setting the tone by framing the night as a useful measure of where his side stands against Europe's elite.
Form heading into Paris
Raphinha arrived at Parc des Princes in strong individual form. In prior coverage dated 13 September 2026, he struck twice as Barcelona opened their Champions League league phase campaign with a 5-1 rout of Feyenoord at a rain-soaked Camp Nou, a display that came after his surprise omission from that year's 30-strong Ballon d'Or shortlist.