Rafinha's incredible form at the start of the season was officially recognized by Barcelona's officials. A few years before the upcoming match against Seville (3:1), the sports director of the Deco club confirmed the signing of a new contract with the Brazilian until 2030 (the previous contract was valid until 2028).

Head coach of the Catalans Hansi Flick after the game did not express his satisfaction with both the new favor and the attacker’s play. The transfer of Rafinha to the position of central forward after the summer departure of Robert Lewandowski and the interrupted transfer of Julian Alvarez brought colossal results: in the Brazilian’s tenure there were already 12 goals for La Lisa and 14 for everyone.

“The best decision for the club is to extend the contract with Rafinha. If you like to know a good language with patients, with a team. Vin leader. Whose season is simply hostile. The decision to play with him in the center of the field was accepted by the coaching staff, and with such performances in eight games, it’s even a good idea to play with number nine,” Flick said.

The victory over Seville was Barcelona's eighth in all tournaments, which allowed them to increase their lead at the top of the standings to six points (the closest match was Real Madrid, their match against Atletico. Unconcerned with a perfect start, the German captain brought in the best to criticize his team.

" We gave the ball away easily, but it’s not our pride and not our standard,” Flick summed up.

The Catalans will play their next match after the international break - the 10th match against Getafe.

It seems likely that the former head coach of Seville was shocked by Rafinha's presence among the Ballon d'Or nominees.