BARCELONA – Following a commanding 4-1 victory over Copenhagen, Barcelona celebrated more than just a win. The result, coupled with a draw between PSG and Newcastle, officially secured the Blaugrana a direct spot in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, avoiding the dreaded playoff round.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, French defender Jules Koundé was full of praise for the team’s captain, Raphinha, who scored the third goal of the night.
“He is very loved”
“Well, Rapha is a 10!”, Koundé stated with a smile. “Both on and off the field, he has shown a decisive level in front of goal. He is a tireless worker under pressure and a fantastic teammate. Raphinha is very loved in this locker room because he is always looking for ways to help the group. There is nothing more to say he gets a 10 from me.”
A Night of Stars at the Camp Nou
The match saw a mix of veteran experience and youthful brilliance. While 17-year-old Icelandic prodigy Dadason briefly threatened an upset for Copenhagen, Barcelona’s firepower proved too much:
- Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring.
- Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford continued their hot streaks.
- Raphinha converted from the spot to cap off a brilliant individual performance.
Koundé’s Long-Term Commitment
The interview also highlighted Koundé’s own importance to Hansi Flick’s project. Having recently renewed his contract until June 2030, the former Sevilla man has successfully transitioned from a traditional center-back to one of the most reliable right-backs in world football. His tactical discipline has been a “key pillar” in Barcelona’s climb back to the European elite.
Wilson Gaspar is a football analyst covering the UEFA Champions League, focusing on match previews, tactical reviews, and the performance of Europe’s top clubs throughout the competition.
