Raphinha opened Barcelona's account for the new season, converting the first team's goal against Elche from the penalty spot. It came on the Brazilian's first outing as an out-and-out striker under Hansi Flick, a start to the campaign stamped with the captain's signature. His celebration afterwards drew just as much attention.
The winger won the penalty himself in the 13th minute. Latching onto a through ball from Espart, he skipped past Victor Chust, who then brought him down inside the area. Raphinha stepped up to take it and buried the spot-kick, proof once again of his quality from twelve yards.
His record from the spot is remarkable. He has converted every penalty he has taken in his career, shoot-out kicks aside, and even counting those his overall success rate sits at around 94%.
The goal itself was only half the story. After celebrating with his team-mates, Raphinha turned towards one of the cameras and struck the Spider-Man pose, a gesture that set Barcelona's fans wondering. The "Spider" nickname has lately become closely tied to Julian Alvarez, the Atletico Madrid striker Barcelona are chasing.
There was nothing political about it, and no hint at the Alvarez deal. Those close to Raphinha revealed the celebration answered a request from his son Gael, who had asked his father to celebrate Spider-Man style. The player decided to grant that wish after scoring his first goals of the season.
