Raphinha's Hat-Trick Leads Barcelona to Victory

Brazilian international Raphinha, scoring his second hat-trick in a week, led his team, defending champions Barcelona, to maintain their perfect record with a 3-1 victory over hosts Sevilla in the seventh round of the Spanish league on Tuesday. The Catalan giants strengthened their position at the top of the table with 21 points from seven wins in seven matches, six points clear of Real Madrid and Real Betis, who face Atletico Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna, respectively. Despite falling behind to a goal by French striker Youssouf Fofana in the 19th minute, Barcelona managed to come back thanks to Raphinha’s three goals in the 19th, 52nd, and 69th minutes. The outstanding Raphinha increased his tally to 12 goals in seven matches, topping La Liga’s scoring charts, in a display that further underscored his pivotal role in the Blaugrana squad, especially hours after Portuguese sporting director Deco confirmed the extension of the Brazilian international’s contract until 2030.

Sevilla, fifth in the standings, started the match strongly at home, putting Barcelona under pressure and disrupting their rhythm before opening the scoring in the 19th minute through Fofana. Portuguese player Felix Correia advanced past Eric Garcia before delivering a cross that Fofana met with a header at the near post, giving the home side the lead. It was no surprise that Raphinha carried the banner for Barcelona’s comeback, as the Brazilian was responsible for the equalizer. With notable skill, the winger changed his body direction to shake off a defender’s marking before firing a low shot that found the back of the net. Although 19-year-old Lamine Yamal did not score himself, he played a major role in Raphinha’s next two goals by setting them up for the Brazilian star.

At the start of the second half, Yamal delivered a precise cross that Raphinha rose to meet, heading it into the net to give Barcelona the lead. But Raphinha’s best goal was yet to come. Yamal played a brilliant through ball that put the Brazilian one-on-one with Sevilla’s goalkeeper, before he deftly chipped the ball over him to score a magnificent goal.

Meanwhile, a goalless draw dominated the match between Osasuna and their guests Deportivo Alaves. Deportivo Alaves moved up to sixth place with 11 points, three points behind eighth-placed Athletic Bilbao, who have a game in hand. This was Bilbao’s second consecutive draw, while Alaves remained without a win for a third straight match. Osasuna also drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano. Croatian Ante Budimir opened the scoring for the home side in the 16th minute before Sergio Camello equalized in the 50th. Both teams are tied on eight points in ninth and 10th place, with Vallecano holding the advantage in goal difference.

Celta Vigo finally secured their first win of the season in the best possible fashion, thrashing visitors Racing Santander 5-0. Home goals were scored by Hugo Gonzalez (32nd minute, penalty), Guinean Alex Moriba (43rd), Miguel Roman (69th), and Pablo Duran (78th and 90+2nd minutes). Celta Vigo moved up to 11 points in 11th place, ahead of Santander, who sit 14th, on goal difference.