Raphinha marked his Barcelona debut with a goal and two assists as the La Liga giants romped to a 6-0 victory over Inter Miami. The Brazilian winger completed his transfer from Leeds United last Friday and was named in the starting line-up by Barca boss Xavi.
Wearing the number 22 shirt for his new club, Raphinha played a decisive role in Barca’s opening goal. He surged inside from the right to play an intricate one-two with Pedri, before helping the ball onto Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, to apply a delicate chip over Nick Marsman in the 19th minute.
He doubled his side’s tally and opened his goal scoring account for Barca six minutes later, with a measured volley into the bottom corner from left-back Alex Balde’s cross.
After an elegant passing move, Raphinha nudged the ball onto Ansu Fati to rifle a rocket into the roof of the net on the cusp of half-time. He was replaced by Ousmane Dembele at the break as Xavi fielded an entirely different side for the second half.
Goals from Gavi, Memphis Depay and Ousmane Dembele rounded off a comfortable victory for Xavi’s charges.
Inter Miami’s starting XI featured a few recognisable recognisable faces with former Tottenham right-back DeAndre Yedlin, ex-Arsenal and West Brom left-back Kieran Gibbs and the legendary Argentinian forward Gonzalo Higuain.
Phil Neville also introduced his son Harvey and David Beckham’s son Romeo during the second half. Barca travel to Nevada next to play El Clasico opponents Real Madrid on Sunday (4am UK time), before heading to Texas to face Juventus on Wednesday (1:30am UK time).
They conclude their tour of the United States against New York Red Bulls at the Red Bull Arena in New York on 31 July (12am UK time).
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