La Liga leaders Barcelona travel to Atletico Madrid tomorrow with Raphinha restored to peak form as the team’s central striker, leaving the Catalan club with little apparent need to regret failing to sign Julian Alvarez in the summer.

Alvarez pursuit led to fine

Argentina forward Alvarez attempted to secure a move away from Atletico and join Spanish champions Barcelona, but the manner in which Barca sought to put together a transfer angered the Rojiblancos.

• Barcelona received a fine of about 600 euros ($675) from the Spanish football federation in October over their approach for Alvarez.
• Alvarez remained at Atletico and later apologised to the club’s supporters in an effort to repair the relationship.
• Barcelona quickly shifted their focus, with wide player Raphinha becoming a formidable option in the previously unfamiliar number-nine position.

Raphinha commits his future to Barcelona

The Brazilian’s performances have made a renewed Barcelona move for Alvarez next summer appear highly unlikely. Raphinha signed a contract extension on Thursday that will keep him at the club until 2030, and he will aim to reinforce his importance when Barca face Atletico.

With Raphinha in outstanding form, Hansi Flick’s side opened the campaign by winning 11 consecutive matches in all competitions. That run was followed, however, by successive losses against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

Four goals signal return to full fitness

Raphinha was below his usual level in both of those defeats after picking up a thigh problem while away with Brazil at the end of September.

1. The 29-year-old produced an unusually quiet display as Barcelona lost 4-2 to PSG in the Champions League.
2. He scored in the next match, a 2-1 home loss to Real Madrid, but did not otherwise reach his normal standards.
3. Four goals over the following two fixtures, against Alaves and Aston Villa, suggest that he has now fully overcome the injury.