Raphinha Benched as Barcelona Faces Chelsea in Crucial Champions League Clash
When Barcelona took the field at Stamford Bridge on Monday, November 25, 2025, for their UEFA Champions League Matchday 5 London showdown against Chelsea, the biggest surprise wasn’t the scoreline — it was who wasn’t starting. Raphinha, the Brazilian winger who’d just returned from injury, was left on the bench. Not because he wasn’t fit. Not because he was suspended. But because Barcelona manager Hansi Flick had other ideas — and they were working.
Attack Without Raphinha: The Flick Formula
The starting XI told the story: Robert Lewandowski upfront, flanked by 17-year-old Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres. No Raphinha. No Dani Olmo. No Marcus Rashford — though he was on the bench, too. It wasn’t a gamble. It was a calculation.
Over the past four games, Lewandowski had netted five goals. Torres and Yamal had combined for three in the last match alone. AS.com noted that the trio’s chemistry was "burning hot," with Yamal’s pace and Torres’s movement stretching defenses in ways Raphinha’s more direct style hadn’t replicated lately. Flick didn’t need to force the issue. He had momentum. And momentum, in Champions League football, is currency.
"He’s back," said one Barcelona insider, speaking off the record. "But he’s not the only one who’s back. And right now, the others are playing like they’re hungry. That’s what Flick sees."
Midfield Shifts and Defensive Gains
The real revelation? Frenkie de Jong. After Pedri’s hamstring injury sidelined him for three weeks, De Jong didn’t just fill the void — he redefined it. AS.com called him "the major surprise," noting his 94% pass accuracy and three key passes in the last match. He wasn’t just distributing. He was dictating. He was pulling strings like a conductor.
Behind him, Eric García and Fermin López offered grit and energy. López, in particular, had scored twice in his last two appearances — a development that pushed Olmo, once considered a starter, down the pecking order. "Fermin’s work rate," said Sports Illustrated’s November 25 analysis, "isn’t flashy, but it’s the glue holding this midfield together."
Defensively, Joan García returned from injury to reclaim the gloves, restoring calm after weeks of uncertainty. At the back, Ronald Araújo (captain), Pau Cubarsí, and Jules Koundé formed a compact, aggressive unit. Even Alejandro Balde, who’d been sidelined after a neck injury against Athletic Bilbao, was fit. "He looked like he’d never left," one scout remarked.
Chelsea’s Response: A Tactical Tightrope
On the other side, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made three changes, dropping Tosin Adarabioyo and Joao Pedro for Wesley Fofana and Moises Caicedo. The midfield became more physical. The attack more direct.
Estevao Willian and Alejandro Garnacho flanked striker Pedro Neto, while Reece James (captain) pushed forward from right-back. The big question: Could Marc Cucurella handle Yamal? Sports Illustrated called it "a duel that could prove decisive" — and not just because of pace. Cucurella’s discipline, his ability to read the game, might be the difference.
"They’re not afraid to sit back," said a former Chelsea assistant. "But if Yamal gets space behind them, it’s over. Barcelona’s counter is too clean."
Why Bench Raphinha? It’s Not About Injury — It’s About Timing
Raphinha’s absence wasn’t due to fitness. He’d played 32 minutes against Athletic Bilbao on November 22. He’d touched the ball 47 times. He’d had two shots. He was clearly ready. So why sit him?
The answer lies in rhythm. Flick didn’t want to disrupt the flow. Torres and Yamal had developed a silent understanding — a diagonal run here, a quick one-two there. Raphinha, for all his talent, plays a different game. He likes to turn, to dribble, to isolate. That’s not what this Barcelona team needs right now. They need precision. They need speed. They need cohesion.
"It’s not a punishment," said a Barcelona source. "It’s a chess move. He’ll come on in the 65th minute. And when he does, Chelsea’s defense will be tired. And that’s when he hurts them."
What’s Next? The Ripple Effect
If Barcelona win, they’ll be top of Group E with 10 points — a massive advantage heading into the final matchday. A draw? Still manageable. A loss? Suddenly, the race for the knockout stage gets messy.
For Raphinha, this benching could be a turning point. Is he still the first-choice winger? Or has the team moved on? The Brazilian has 11 goals and 8 assists this season — but his last start was September 14. That’s a long time to be watching from the sidelines.
And for Chelsea? They’re fighting for survival in the group. A win here would breathe life into their campaign. A loss? Their Champions League hopes could be over before Christmas.
Background: The History Between the Clubs
Barcelona and Chelsea have met 14 times in European competition since 2004. The Blaugrana hold a 7-4 advantage, but Chelsea won the 2021 Champions League semifinal 3-1 on aggregate — a result that still stings in Catalonia. This match, then, carries emotional weight beyond the table.
And then there’s Andreas Christensen — the former Chelsea center-back now on Barcelona’s bench. He played 150 games for the Blues, captained them, scored in the 2021 final. Now he’s watching his old team, hoping to help destroy them. "It’s weird," he told reporters before the match. "But I’m here to win. That’s all that matters."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Raphinha benched despite returning from injury?
Raphinha wasn’t benched due to injury — he’d played 32 minutes against Athletic Bilbao just three days prior. Instead, manager Hansi Flick opted for tactical continuity. Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres had developed strong chemistry, scoring three goals between them in the previous match. Flick prioritized rhythm over individual talent, planning to introduce Raphinha later to exploit tired defenders.
How has Frenkie de Jong impacted Barcelona’s midfield without Pedri?
With Pedri sidelined by a hamstring injury, Frenkie de Jong has transformed into Barcelona’s midfield engine. He’s averaging 94% pass accuracy and delivering three key passes per game, according to AS.com. His vision and positional discipline have allowed Fermin López and Eric García to play more aggressively, turning the midfield into a controlled yet dynamic force.
What’s at stake for Chelsea in this match?
Chelsea sit third in Group E with just four points. A loss would all but eliminate them from Champions League knockout contention. Even a draw might not be enough if Club Brugge wins their remaining fixture. Enzo Maresca needs a win to keep hopes alive — and the pressure is mounting after a 4-0 defeat to Real Madrid last week.
Is Robert Lewandowski’s form sustainable in the Champions League?
Lewandowski has scored five goals in his last four games across all competitions, including a hat-trick against Club Brugge. His movement, timing, and clinical finishing remain elite. But at 36, the physical toll is real. If Barcelona can protect him with midfield support — as they have with De Jong and Fermin — his form can hold. But one bad tackle could change everything.
How does this lineup affect Raphinha’s future at Barcelona?
If Raphinha remains on the bench for multiple high-stakes matches, it signals a shift in Flick’s long-term plans. While he’s still under contract until 2027, his lack of starts could trigger interest from clubs like Napoli or Atlético Madrid. His value may drop if he doesn’t play regularly — and Barcelona might reconsider his role before the January window.
What’s the significance of Andreas Christensen returning to Stamford Bridge?
Christensen, who spent seven seasons at Chelsea and played in their 2021 Champions League final win, now wears a Barcelona jersey. His presence on the bench adds emotional weight to the fixture. While he won’t start, his familiarity with Chelsea’s system could provide valuable insights to Flick’s staff — making him a quiet but key figure in the tactical battle.