Diego Simeone explains Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski difference

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone explained that Barcelona have become harder to defend against with Raphinha playing centrally instead of Robert Lewandowski. Speaking ahead of Sunday's top-of-the-table La Liga match, Simeone noted that while Lewandowski served as a traditional positional striker, Raphinha drops into midfield to link play and makes late runs in behind. Simeone praised the Brazilian's work rate, pace, and adaptability under manager Hansi Flick.

Barcelona travel to the Metropolitano holding a two-point lead over Atletico Madrid. Raphinha enters the fixture with 19 goals across 13 appearances in the 2026-27 campaign, including a league-leading 15 goals. Simeone acknowledged that his squad expects to suffer during stretches against Barcelona, while Atletico aim to claim victory and move to the top of the La Liga table.