Raphinha’s 12-goal start keeps Barcelona perfect

FC Barcelona head into the international break unbeaten after a 3-1 win at Sevilla. Sevilla took the lead through Youssouf Fofana, but Raphinha scored a hat-trick to turn the match around, with his equaliser arriving before half-time and his other two goals coming after the break. The result kept Barcelona perfect through seven league matches and took their tally to 31 goals in seven matches. Raphinha’s form has come despite his omission from the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist, according to Marca.

Barcelona had the first major chance when Lamine Yamal’s curling effort was pushed onto the post by Sevilla goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos. Sevilla made the most of their bright opening shortly after the quarter-hour mark, when Fofana headed Félix Correia’s cross into the net to give the hosts the lead and put Barcelona behind for the first time this season.

The setback did not last long. Raphinha levelled before the interval after cutting inside and producing a low, crossed finish. The teams went into half-time level after Sevilla had matched Barcelona well during an intense opening period.

Barcelona were more direct after the break, and the Yamal-Raphinha connection proved decisive. Yamal delivered a cross for Raphinha to head Barcelona in front early in the second half, before creating the Brazilian’s third goal in the 69th minute. Raphinha lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to complete his hat-trick. His three goals came with his right foot, left foot and head.

Barcelona’s evening was not without cost. Andreas Christensen suffered another muscle injury and left the pitch in tears. Raphinha also struck the post directly from a corner, while late attempts from Adeyemi and Dani Olmo did not change the scoreline.

Dominik Livakovic made his Barcelona debut in goal in place of the injured Joan García, while Pau Cubarsí returned to the defence. Sevilla pressed high and used individual marking in the first half, but Barcelona’s more direct second-half approach created the openings that decided the match. Raphinha operated centrally as a number nine, with Lamine Yamal supplying the finishing touches.

Raphinha now has 12 league goals in seven matches and leads the Pichichi race. His hat-trick against Sevilla underlined his importance in Barcelona’s attack as the team reached the international break with seven wins from seven league games.