Raphinha responds to doping insinuations after his double against Madrid

The Clásico played in Montjuïc left many images to remember, but one of the most commented was not a dribble, a save or a goal... but a gesture.

Raphinha, author of two goals in the spectacular Barça's comeback against Real Madrid (4-3), took advantage of the celebration of his second goal to emphatically point to the bandage on his right hand.

An apparently simple gesture, but full of intention and symbolism. The message was directed to those who have insinuated, without evidence, alleged irregular practices within the blaugrana dressing room.

The gesture of the controversy: Raphinha responds with goals

It was the 44th minute when Raphinha, after an aggressive pressure, stole a compromised ball from Lucas Vázquez on the way out and beat the Madrid goalkeeper with a dry shot to the near post. It was 4-2 on the scoreboard and the second in his personal account.

While his teammates enthusiastically celebrated the comeback, the Brazilian turned his gaze towards the stands and showed the palm of his right hand wrapped in a white bandage. A not-so-subtle message for certain sectors of Madrid who, in recent days, had spread on social networks an absurd conspiracy theory about doping covered up in Barça.

VIDEO: Raphinha's gesture in the celebration of 4-2

The idea, born on social platforms, stated that several Azulgrana players would be using the bandages on their wrists as a method to hide punctures with doping substances.

Although the theory lacked any medical basis or verifiable evidence, the matter gained greater repercussion when the newspaper Marca published an interview with Niko Mihic, former doctor of Real Madrid. In that conversation, Mihic pointed out that the wrists are an accessible area for injections, which was interpreted by some as a nod to the insinuations.

A baseless rumor, amplified without evidence against Barça

From the environment of Fútbol Club Barcelona there has been no official reaction in this regard, considering the matter as an absolute nonsense without scientific basis. However, the lack of institutional response has not prevented the players from being aware of the media noise that has been generated around them.

Raphinha, one of the players who usually wears bandages on his hand or wrist, decided not to remain silent and respond on the field, where it hurts critics the most. Consulted by various media, several medical experts have described this theory as "ridiculous" and lacking scientific rigor.

“Covering an intravenous route used for doping with bandages would be completely unnecessary, and in any case detectable in routine controls. There is no justification for linking sports bandages with an illegal practice,” a sports doctor recently assured La Vanguardia.

A common custom, also in Real Madrid

The most ironic thing about the matter is that the use of bandages on wrists or hands is not exclusive to Barça players. Also footballers from Real Madrid, and multiple teams both in Spain and in other European leagues, use this type of bandages as a protection measure or for pure superstition.

Raphinha, in fact, has been using that bandage for years as part of his match routine, without it having generated any controversy before.

In recent times, the proliferation of unfounded rumors on social networks has generated a new form of external pressure towards the players. In this context, Raphinha's gesture becomes a symbolic form of vindication. The Brazilian not only responded with football, but also with character.

Raphinha, decisive in the comeback against Real Madrid

Beyond the controversy, Raphinha's sporting performance in the Clásico was outstanding. He signed a double and led together with Lamine Yamal the reaction of Barça after an adverse start. His delivery, constant pressure and verticality destabilized the white defense throughout the first half.

With his performance, Raphinha shows that he is in great shape just in the decisive stretch of the season. Although he has had ups and downs throughout the course, performances like the one in the Clásico reaffirm his importance in Hansi Flick's plans.

Raphinha's gesture will not go unnoticed. In times where social networks magnify all kinds of rumors, the Brazilian's response was clear: the playing field is the only place where doubts should be resolved.

And if there is something that the winger has made clear with his performance, it is that the best response to empty insinuations are goals and real football.