Raphinha Scored An Absolute Screamer Against Real Madrid, Then Both Teams Had A Scrap

Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 1-0 in the early hours of Sunday morning thanks to an absolute thunderbolt from Raphinha.

The two sides met in Las Vegas for the first El Clasico of the season and it was a heated affair, despite it only being pre-season.

Both sets of players clashed in the first half after Real winger Vinicius Jr. was hauled down by Jordi Alba.

It was another Brazilian winger who decided the game however.

NA ONDE A CORUJA DORME, RAPHINHA 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/CcuvYOptSK

— messi depre (@leomessidepre) July 24, 2022

Gavi defendiendo a Busi del manotazo de Rodrygo… siempre en nuestro equipo ❤️pic.twitter.com/pczUdryHbC

— Iniestazo (@INIE8TAZO) July 24, 2022

Just before the half hour mark, Barcelona's attack pressed Eder Militao and Lucas Vasquez which forced Militao to rush his clearance.

He kicked the ball straight to Raphinha, who took a touch to compose himself before unleashing a rocket with his left foot.

The ball flew past goalkeeper Eder Militao and the Allegiant Stadium came unglued after witnessing a screamer.

It is Raphinha's second goal since joining from Leeds United in a £55 million deal and he might not score a better one all year.

Raphinha, two games, two goals pic.twitter.com/KCYFchJ8Pj

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 24, 2022

The 25-year-old was heavily linked with Chelsea and Barcelona but desperately wanted to play for the Catalan giants.

He is not the only addition to their frontline either. Robert Lewandowski arrived from Bayern Munich last week and made his debut from the bench.

In defence they've recruited Andreas Christensen and in midfielder Franck Kessie has been added to the ranks.

Manager Xavi is most excited about his the depth in his attack.

Along with Raphinha and Lewandowski, Xavi will have Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ousmane Dembele at his disposal.

He explained post-match: "You have already seen Raphinha show that he is capable of making a difference, very dynamic, he can play on both wings.

"And Robert is a world star. A world star who comes with tremendous humility, who comes to help us and who has adapted very quickly.

"The truth is, I am very happy with these two incorporations that at the same time give a lot of competition to the people at the top and thus we will all have to work even harder."

The Blaugrana are continuing to work on a deal for Sevilla centre back Jules Kounde even though their financial situation is less than stellar.

Barcelona finished second in La Liga last season, 13 points behind bitter rivals Real.