Raphinha: Barcelona Competing Under Different Rules to Opponents

Barcelona winger Raphinha has taken to social media to suggest that his club are being forced to play under unequal conditions, intensifying the fallout from Monday night’s 2-1 defeat at Girona that allowed Real Madrid to leapfrog the Catalans at the top of La Liga.

The decisive goal arrived in contentious fashion, with many observers believing Girona should have been penalised for a foul on Barça defender Jules Koundé in the build-up. Manager Hansi Flick sidestepped the controversy in his post-match remarks, stressing that his team’s own sub-par display—rather than any officiating decision—was the primary reason for the loss. Flick’s assessment was underlined by the fact that Girona goalkeeper Joan García was the game’s standout performer, repeatedly denying a blunt Barcelona attack that rarely imposed itself on the match.

Less than 24 hours later, Raphinha broke the club’s apparent silence on the officiating with a pointed message on social media:

“Well, we have a lot to improve on, but not just us. It’s very complicated when the rules are different whether it’s for you or against you, but if we have to play against everyone, to win, it’s okay… We’re going to make it. Long live Barca always.”

The Brazilian’s post amplifies a growing sense of grievance within the Camp Nou corridors. Barcelona have already submitted an official complaint to the Spanish football authorities regarding what they describe as “inconsistencies” in the application of VAR and broader refereeing standards. The club’s ire was first ignined during last weekend’s Copa del Rey semi-final, when an eight-minute VAR review annulled Pau Cubarsí’s would-be goal. While the decision ultimately favoured Barça’s opponents, the lengthy delay sapped momentum from Flick’s side, who struggled to regain rhythm in the closing stages.

With the title race tightening and emotions running high, the Blaugrana must now balance their frustration with the need to reclaim form on the pitch. How the club channels the controversy—either as motivation or distraction—could prove pivotal in the season’s final stretch.