Barcelona continued their flawless start to the La Liga season, securing a hard-fought 3-1 away victory over Sevilla on Saturday. Brazilian forward Raphinha was the hero of the night, netting all three goals to complete a comeback win at the Sánchez-Pizjuán.
The result marks Barcelona’s seventh consecutive win in the league, keeping them at the top of the table as they head into the international break.
Early Setback and Comeback
Despite a promising start that saw Lamine Yamal strike the post, Barcelona found themselves trailing early in the match. Sevilla took the lead when Youssouf Fofana headed home a cross from the left flank.
However, the visitors responded swiftly. Andreas Christensen delivered a through ball into the box, which Raphinha expertly finished to level the score. The teams went into the half-time interval with the match finely balanced, as Barcelona struggled to convert good positions into further clear-cut chances, while Sevilla posed a threat on the counterattack.
Second-Half Dominance
Barcelona emerged for the second half with renewed control, maintaining possession more effectively and limiting Sevilla’s attacking opportunities. The breakthrough came when Lamine Yamal won the ball high up the pitch before providing the assist for Raphinha’s second goal, a header that put Barcelona in front.
Raphinha then completed his hat-trick after Yamal released him through on goal, with the Barcelona captain calmly lifting the ball over Sevilla goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos. This marked Raphinha’s second hat-trick in just four days, highlighting his exceptional form.
The victory was not without a concern, as defender Andreas Christensen was forced off with a thigh injury during the second half. Despite this, Barcelona maintained their composure and saw out the result in a challenging away fixture.
Perfect Start Continues
The win ensures Barcelona’s perfect record remains intact after seven La Liga matches. Recovering from an early deficit to collect three crucial points, the Catalan giants will now head into the international break with a commanding position at the summit of the league standings.