Raphinha scored a superb hat-trick to earn Barcelona a 3-1 win at Sevilla on Saturday in La Liga and preserve their 100 percent record. Hansi Flick’s side moved six points clear of Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid, who visit Atletico Madrid in a derby clash on Sunday. The Spanish champions were given the biggest test of their season to date but overcame Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan thanks to Raphinha’s treble.
The Brazil international has started the season in sensational form, playing out of position as a central striker. La Liga’s top goalscorer, Raphinha reached 12 goals in seven league appearances with a second consecutive hat-trick. Barcelona sporting director Deco said the former Leeds winger had agreed to extend his stay at the club until 2030 ahead of the game, and Raphinha celebrated in style.
Flick handed Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic his debut in goal with Joan Garcia out injured. Hosts Sevilla, fifth, started strongly, making Barca uncomfortable, and took the lead through Youssouf Fofana in the 19th minute. Felix Correia escaped Eric Garcia and crossed for Fofana to nod home at the near post. Teenage star Lamine Yamal almost pulled Barca level but Sevilla goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos managed to push his curling effort against