Raphinha produced another sensational performance on Saturday, scoring a hat-trick as Barcelona came from behind to beat Sevilla 3-1 and maintain their perfect start to the season.
The Brazilian forward’s treble at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan secured Barcelona’s eighth win from eight games across all competitions and kept Hansi Flick’s side firmly at the top of La Liga.
The victory also moved Barcelona six points clear of Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid, who face Atletico Madrid in Sunday’s derby.
Sevilla, who started strongly in front of their home supporters, gave the Spanish champions one of their toughest tests of the season. Youssouf Fofana put the hosts ahead in the 19th minute after Felix Correia escaped Eric Garcia and delivered a cross for the midfielder to head home at the near post.
Barcelona responded and gradually took control, with Raphinha restoring parity before half-time. The Brazil international showed excellent composure, shifting his body weight to escape his marker before calmly sending a low finish into the net.
Teenage star Lamine Yamal came close to scoring earlier, but Sevilla goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos pushed his curling effort onto the post.
Yamal, however, played a decisive role in Barcelona’s second-half comeback.
Early after the restart, the teenager delivered a precise cross for Raphinha to head Barcelona in front.
The Brazilian then completed his hat-trick in spectacular fashion when Yamal sent him through on goal, allowing Raphinha to delicately dink the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.
The treble took Raphinha’s league tally to 12 goals in seven appearances, making him La Liga’s leading goalscorer. It was also his second consecutive hat-trick, underlining his remarkable form after starting the season in a central striking role.
Raphinha’s performance came shortly after Barcelona sporting director Deco confirmed that the former Leeds winger had agreed to extend his stay at the club until 2030, giving the forward another reason to celebrate.
Barcelona had opportunities to extend their advantage, with Anthony Gordon failing to capitalise on a promising chance and Dani Olmo seeing his free-kick beaten away.
Sevilla continued to push for a way back into the game, but Barcelona held firm to secure all three points and preserve their 100 percent record.
The result keeps Flick’s side setting the pace in the Spanish top flight, while Raphinha’s outstanding form continues to provide Barcelona with a major attacking threat.
Elsewhere, Celta Vigo thrashed Racing Santander 5-0, Athletic Bilbao drew 0-0 with Alaves, while Osasuna were held to a 1-1 draw by Rayo Vallecano.