Lethal Barcelona destroy Inter Miami as already settled Raphinha sparkles on his debut
Raphinha marked his Barcelona debut with a goal and two assists as the Spanish giants kicked off their four-match US tour with a comprehensive thrashing of David Beckham’s Inter Miami on Tuesday.
The Brazilian, signed from Premier League club, Leeds United earlier this month for around $60 million, capped a promising first outing for his new club with a well-taken first-half strike after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had given the La Liga giants the lead at a sold-out DRV PNK Stadium.
On the other side, Robert Lewandowski, who just penned his move to Barca was not involved ahead of his official unveiling in Miami on Wednesday. The Pole sat in the stands alongside Ferran Torres and Gerard Pique.
The Brazilian was making his debut alongside fellow newcomer Andreas Christensen, who left Chelsea at the end of the season, and both were impressive against Phil Neville’s side.
Barcelona dominated all throughout the game against the MLS team. Former Arsenal forward Aubameyang went closest on 15 minutes to open the deadlock when his close-range effort flashed past the post.
Raphinha appeared aggressively composed as he turned to get on the scoresheet, expertly guiding home an Alejandro Balde cross to double the Catalan’s lead.
It was completely one-way traffic and Raphinha capped a good night’s work with another assist just before half-time, teeing up Ansu Fati who expertly smashed home from close range.
The Brazilian has already got a goal and two assists on his name. Would that be transferred when the season kicks off later?
