Raphinha scores and surprises everyone with a mysterious celebration that raises questions! | Goal.com
Raphinha put Barcelona ahead against Elche at the Martinez Valero, the Brazilian tucking away a penalty in the 13th minute. It capped a perfect start to the new season, and to his first competitive appearance as captain. Then his celebration stole the spotlight, a gesture that appeared to reference Argentina's Julian Alvarez.
Raphinha had won the penalty himself. He skipped past Victor Chust, who caught the Brazilian's leg trying to stop him, and then stepped up to hammer it powerfully with his left foot into the left corner, beating Elche keeper Dituro.
The goal was not the only thing that turned heads. Raphinha celebrated with his team-mates before surprising everyone with the famous Spider-Man gesture, which reports read as a message to Alvarez. The Atletico Madrid striker, whose name has been linked with Barcelona, endured a difficult night of his own, jeered by his own supporters during the clash with Villarreal.
Hansi Flick leant on Raphinha as the focal point of the attack while Barcelona wait on the arrival of an out-and-out striker. Lamine Yamal took the right flank, Karim Adeyemi the left, handing the Brazilian a central role from the opening whistle.
It was Raphinha's first competitive match wearing the Barcelona armband. Flick named him temporary skipper, pending a dressing-room vote once the squad is complete, and the Brazilian repaid him with a perfect start after a previous campaign wrecked by injuries.
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