Portuguese Anger Directed at Raphinha: Scorer of the 4-5 and Former Sporting CP Player
The players and, notably, the Benfica bench couldn’t handle Raphinha’s dramatic 4-5 goal in stoppage time. They believed they had the match won, but Barcelona managed a thrilling comeback, reversing the scoreline.
This frustration was taken out on Raphinha, who is usually calm and peace-loving. However, they provoked him and found his breaking point.
The Tunnel Brawl Unfolds
In the tunnel, several Benfica players and staff confronted Raphinha, hurling insults at him, which he retaliated against.
There were scuffles and attempts to escalate the confrontation, but it didn’t go any further. Barcelona’s players intervened, shielding their teammate during the tense moment. The police arrived to control the situation, ending the altercation.
It’s worth noting that Benfica’s hostility towards Raphinha stems from his past with Sporting CP, Benfica’s main rival in Portugal alongside Porto.
This history explains why Raphinha was unfairly targeted, as he never sought this spotlight. He was simply the focus of Benfica’s frustration.
When asked about the incident, Raphinha told Movistar+: “I am a respectful person. Some people insulted me as I was leaving the field, and I responded. I know I shouldn’t have, but things got heated. Benfica’s players preferred to insult me, but I don’t hold onto anything. I respect others if they respect me, but I won’t stay silent when insulted. It’s normal after a match like that.”
Raphinha, who had been the hero in a match that Benfica thought they had won early on with a 1-0 lead in the 2nd minute, was targeted by Benfica’s anger after their loss. They couldn’t accept the defeat gracefully and directed their frustration at him for being a former Sporting CP player and for scoring the decisive goal that handed Barcelona the victory.
Interestingly, Barcelona only took the lead in the match after the 95th minute.
