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January 15, 2025 at 10:38 AM

Vitor Roque Returns to Barcelona Spotlight

Brazilian forward Vitor Roque, on loan at Real Betis, faces Barcelona in the Copa del Rey, marking a pivotal moment in his journey.

Vitor Roque Returns to Barcelona Spotlight

Vitor Roque, the 18-year-old Brazilian talent affectionately known as the 'Brazilian Tiger,' is set to return to Barcelona’s Montjuïc Stadium tonight. Roque, who is currently on loan at Real Betis, will face his parent club in a high-stakes Copa del Rey Round of 16 clash. This marks his first appearance at Montjuïc since leaving Barcelona eight months ago.

Roque’s initial stint at Barcelona was filled with promise but fell short of expectations. Signed for €30 million, he managed just two goals in 20 appearances, struggling to secure a spot in Xavi Hernández's plans. The arrival of Hansi Flick as Barcelona’s head coach last summer limited his opportunities further, prompting a loan move to Betis for the current season.

At Betis, Roque has shown glimpses of his potential, scoring five goals in 25 appearances across competitions. His standout moments include a brace in the Copa del Rey’s first round and an impressive performance in Betis’s recent 2-2 draw against Barcelona, where he played 77 minutes and created key scoring opportunities. Despite these flashes of brilliance, Roque has yet to fully justify the high expectations that accompanied his signing.

Vitor Roque, Barcelona, Real Betis, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup - SUP Football

Tonight’s match presents a crucial opportunity for Roque to demonstrate his growth and remind Barcelona of his value. As the Catalan club basks in the glow of their recent Spanish Super Cup victories over Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid, the spotlight will be on whether Roque can rise to the occasion and make a compelling case for his future in Barcelona’s squad.

For Barcelona fans, this match is not just about advancing in the Copa del Rey but also a chance to evaluate one of their young investments. Roque’s return to Montjuïc could either mark the beginning of a redemption arc or further cement doubts about his role in the club’s long-term plans.