Raphinha hat-trick keeps Barcelona perfect with victory at Sevilla

Raphinha scored a hat-trick as Barcelona came from behind to beat Sevilla 3-1 at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan and maintain their perfect start to the La Liga season.

The result was Barcelona’s seventh consecutive victory in the competition, keeping Hansi Flick’s side at the top of the table and extending their unbeaten record.

Barcelona arrived having taken maximum points from their opening six matches, but Sevilla made life difficult in the first half. The hosts pressed aggressively and prevented the visitors from settling into their usual style of play.

Sevilla took the lead in the 18th minute through Youssef Fofana, who capitalised after the home side won possession in an advanced position.

Their advantage lasted only three minutes. Raphinha produced a skilful finish to level for Barcelona after being found by an excellent pass from Andreas Christensen.

The visitors went into half-time with the score 1-1, but the match changed after the interval as Barcelona became more dominant and dangerous.

Raphinha put Barcelona ahead in the 51st minute, with Lamine Yamal providing the assist with an accomplished pass. It was the first time the Catalan side had led in the match.

The Brazil international completed his hat-trick 18 minutes later. Yamal was again the provider, and Raphinha finished superbly by lifting the ball over the Sevilla goalkeeper to seal the points.

Raphinha’s three goals took his league tally to 12, making him La Liga’s leading scorer. Yamal now has four assists in the competition, underlining the importance of the partnership between the two Barcelona players this season.

Barcelona imposed themselves increasingly after the break as Sevilla’s pressure eased. They had 77% possession in the second half, while the hosts managed only two shots on goal.

The victory allows Barcelona to remain top of the table going into the international break.