Barcelona coach Hansi Flick praised Raphinha’s mentality after the Brazilian forward scored twice to secure a 3–2 victory over Real Madrid and help his team retain the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday.

Raphinha has been in outstanding form, netting seven goals in his last five matches, including his brace in Jeddah that proved decisive against Los Blancos. The winger returned strongly after an injury layoff of around two months, during which Barcelona struggled in October and November.

“His mentality is unbelievable, and his dynamism affects the whole team,” Flick told reporters.

After missing a golden opportunity in the first half, Raphinha quickly made amends by opening the scoring. He then struck again for the winner from outside the area, aided by a deflection, with the score tied at 2–2.

“He missed the first chance, but the second one, he was there and scored the first goal, which gave the team more confidence,” Flick continued. “This is what Raphinha brings — intensity and energy that we really need on the pitch.”

Barcelona last won the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid during their treble-winning campaign, and Flick hopes Sunday’s victory will boost the team’s confidence for the rest of the season.

“We are in a good mood and full of confidence,” he said after Barca’s 10th consecutive win across all competitions. “This final was very important because matches against Real Madrid are always special. Winning a final again is fantastic.”

Flick has now won all eight finals he has coached, including two last season against Madrid. “When we focus and play like we did today, I have a really good feeling with the team, and that’s important,” he added.

The coach also welcomed back defender Ronald Araújo, who had taken a month-long mental health break, bringing him on in the final stages.

“To be on the pitch and to win this title means a lot for him,” said Flick. “I’m really happy he’s back, and it seems he’s doing okay. We’ll always support him.”