Raphinha, the man who almost left, leads Barcelona to verge of dream title | Sid Lowe

Captain has swapped rejection for affection and added to a season of unbelievable highs in thrilling clásicoBarcelona couldn’t get the player they wanted so they just had to settle for the best. At the end of another wild, joyous and exhausting afternoon, another clásico won their way, the captain called them all into the middle of Montjuïc. And where Raphael Dias Belloli calls, his teammates follow, all the way to the title. Which was why, an arm raised, a wrist wrapped in a blue bandage lifted above the crowd like a symbol of strength, the Brazilian who has been better than anyone anywhere, now gathered them round and led them into a lap of honour together. It was time to give thanks; time to get thanks, too.They had earned it. Real Madrid, who were supposed to be invincible, had been beaten again. Sunday was the fourth time time this season, a record unmatched in 125 years: four victories in as many cities, Barcelona scoring four goals to go with the three, five and four in the previous clásicos, a circle closed. The first was the statement that started it all, a declaration of intent at the Bernabéu; the second won the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia; the third brought the Copa del Rey back from Seville; now they had virtually secured the league, a 4-3 win taking them seven points clear with nine left, double almost done. Continue reading...

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