Barcelona are riding a wave of momentum after beating Aston Villa 3-0 in the Champions League, but the week's biggest story has shifted off the pitch. The club confirmed Raphinha has signed a new contract until June 2030, a major statement of intent from the Blaugrana as they reward their most prolific forward this season. The Brazilian captain has scored 19 goals across all competitions in 2026-27, more than any other player in Europe's top five leagues, and his brace against Villa drew him level with Ronaldinho on 94 Barcelona goals.

The mood, however, is not without concern. Rodri was forced off at half-time against Villa with a hamstring problem, and the club has since confirmed he will miss Sunday's trip to Atletico Madrid. The 30-year-old has been one of Hansi Flick's most relied-upon figures since joining from Manchester City, logging 945 minutes across 14 appearances. Young academy graduate Marc Bernal is the natural replacement, though filling Rodri's role against a direct title rival presents a significant test.

The stakes could hardly be higher. Barcelona top LaLiga with 30 points, two clear of second-placed Atletico on 28, with Real Madrid a further point back in third. A win at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano would put meaningful distance between the leaders and their closest challengers. A slip, with Madrid watching on, could tighten the race considerably. Flick's side have the form and the firepower. The question is whether they have the depth.