FC Barcelona secures Raphinha contract extension and La Liga lead

FC Barcelona has reached an agreement to extend the contract of Brazilian forward Raphinha until June 30, 2030. The official announcement is expected on Thursday, following a period of scheduling delays. Raphinha, 29, has become a central figure in Hansi Flick’s system, recording 19 goals in 13 matches this season.

On the pitch, Barcelona reclaimed the top spot in La Liga with a 6-1 victory over Deportivo Alavés at Spotify Camp Nou. Raphinha and Lamine Yamal both scored braces in the win, which also featured goals from Fermín López and Anthony Gordon. The result restores Barcelona’s two-point cushion at the summit of the league.

In European competition, Barcelona defeated Aston Villa 3-0 in the Champions League. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring, while Raphinha secured a brace to maintain his prolific scoring form. The victory follows recent setbacks against Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.