Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone broke from his usual reserve to lavish praise on Barcelona’s Raphinha, declaring the Brazilian winger “should have won the Ballon d’Or” after his decisive role in the Catalans’ 3-1 comeback victory at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Simeone, rarely one to compliment rivals, was effusive: “I have no idea how Raphinha did not win the Ballon d’Or. He is an incredible player. He can play everywhere – as a winger, midfielder, striker, or even wing back. He scores, creates, presses, and runs. I love Raphinha.”

Raphinha’s 23rd-minute equalizer, a sharp finish from Pedri’s through-ball, canceled out Álex Baena’s controversial opener in the 19th minute, which VAR upheld despite offside claims.

Barcelona went into halftime level despite Robert Lewandowski’s missed penalty, before Dani Olmo fired a thunderous strike in the 65th minute to put them ahead. Olmo’s exuberant celebration led to a dislocated shoulder, sidelining him for three weeks, but Ferran Torres sealed the win with a stoppage-time tap-in.

The victory extended Barcelona’s unbeaten run to 37 matches, keeping them four points clear at the top of La Liga with 37 points from 13 games. Atletico, fifth with 24 points, briefly threatened a comeback through Richarlison’s sublime lob, but Simeone’s post-match acknowledgment of Raphinha underscored the winger’s growing Ballon d’Or buzz. Raphinha finished sixth in the 2025 voting, behind Rodri, Vinícius Jr., Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick hailed his side’s resilience: “We showed character. Raphinha’s goal was pure class.” The result intensifies the title race, with Real Madrid trailing by four points, setting up a fierce battle as the season unfolds.

Real Madrid will face Athletic Bilbao tonight.