Barcelona star beats Real Madrid star to UCL Player of the Week award

Raphinha’s midweek masterclass has earned him the UEFA Champions League Player of the Week honour, edging out Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior in a straight shoot-out between LaLiga’s headline acts. The Brazilian winger tormented Newcastle United on Wednesday, scoring twice and laying on another two goals as Barcelona cruised to a 7-2 aggregate victory and a place in the next round.

UEFA’s public poll rewarded the 30-year-old’s direct involvement in four of the night’s goals, pushing him ahead of fellow countryman Vinícius, who had topped the voting earlier in the week after his own double sank Manchester City 3-1 at the Bernabéu. Despite the Madrid star’s match-winning contribution, Raphinha’s explosive display ultimately captured the imagination of voters.

Completing the top four were Barcelona loanee Francisco Trincão and Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, but the spotlight remained fixed on the two Brazilians who continue to light up Europe’s premier club competition.