A flawless streak continues

Barcelona's attacking star Raphinha has kept alive a remarkable penalty conversion record in the colours of the Blaugrana, extending his flawless run from 12 yards to nine successful spot-kicks during the La Liga champions' opening weekend fixture.

The wide-man was afforded a starting berth in Barcelona's La Liga opener against Elche, and he delivered a decisive response with a brace and an assist. His first goal of the afternoon arrived from the penalty spot inside the opening quarter of an hour, a confident left-footed strike planted into the bottom corner.

In slotting home from 12 yards, the former Leeds United man continued what has been a peerless penalty conversion record since taking his talents to Catalonia's capital.

Statisticians weigh in

According to a report from statisticians Opta: '9 - Raphinha has converted all nine penalties he has taken with FC Barcelona in all competitions. Since he arrived at the blaugrana team in the 2022/23 season, he is the LaLiga player who has scored the most penalty goals in all competitions without missing any shot.'

The perfect penalty record adds another layer to what was already an altogether productive opening to the new campaign for the Brazilian, who will be hoping to carry that ice-cold composure from the spot deep into the season as Barcelona mount their title defence.