Raphinha Out for Barca
Barcelona confirmed Raphinha will miss their Champions League quarter-final tie with Atlético Madrid because of a hamstring injury — a significant blow to Barca’s attacking options. UEFA also announced the Champions League final will start at 6pm (Italian time) from 2026 onward to boost global viewership. (beinsports.com) (uefa.com)
Barcelona’s medical bulletin says the injury is to the middle third of the biceps femoris in Raphinha’s right thigh, with tests carried out by the Brazilian federation and a club estimate of about five weeks out. (fcbarcelona.com) The problem was diagnosed after he felt discomfort during Brazil’s 2-1 friendly loss to France at Gillette Stadium on March 26, and Barcelona said he has already returned to the club to begin treatment. (espn.com) Raphinha has 19 goals and eight assists in 31 appearances this season, figures that underline why losing his direct attacking output matters for Barcelona’s remaining campaign. (nytimes.com) Manager Hansi Flick’s immediate wide-field options include Dani Olmo, Fermín López and Ferran Torres, with João Cancelo and academy attacker Roony Bardghji also named as tactical alternatives by club analysts. (espn.co.uk) Barcelona’s two-legged knockout dates against Atlético Madrid fall in the first and second quarter-final windows on April 7–8 and April 14–15 respectively, with the specific Barca v Atleti fixtures confirmed in UEFA’s knockout calendar. (sportingnews.com) UEFA has specified that the 2026 final will be staged at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna on May 30, and its explanation for the schedule change cited improved matchday logistics, fan travel and host-city operations as key reasons. (uefa.com)
