Barcelona left Seville with another statement of intent, overturning an early setback to beat Sevilla 3-1 at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán as Raphinha’s hat-trick preserved the Catalan club’s flawless start after seven LaLiga rounds.
Key takeaways
- Raphinha scored all three Barcelona goals, finding the net in the 22nd minute, early in the second half and again in the 69th.
- Sevilla took the lead through Youssouf Fofana after a forceful run and delivery from Félix Correia.
- Lamine Yamal created Barcelona’s second and third goals with two influential contributions after the interval.
- Barcelona have won each of their opening seven league matches and remain at the top of the table.
From a slow opening to Barcelona’s reply
The visitors initially struggled to bring their usual authority to an afternoon in Andalusia. Lamine Yamal tested goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos from a free-kick in the 17th minute, but the attempt caused little concern.
Sevilla struck soon afterwards. Félix Correia drove into the Barcelona area and supplied a precise low ball for Youssouf Fofana, who arrived at the near post to finish and lift the home crowd.
Barcelona’s response came quickly, with Raphinha taking responsibility inside the box. The Brazilian shifted past Agoumé with a sharp change of direction before sending a right-footed effort into the left corner in the 22nd minute.
There were opportunities at both ends before half-time. Correia came close to restoring Sevilla’s advantage when his first-time attempt travelled narrowly wide of Wojciech Szczesny’s goal in the 42nd minute. Barcelona then had a chance of their own as Fermín López advanced down the flank and crossed for Pedri, who could not make contact.
The sides went in level at 1-1, with the contest still open despite the limited number of clear chances.
Yamal supplies the finish for Raphinha
Barcelona found the decisive edge after the break through the combination of Yamal and Raphinha. The teenage winger worked his way free in the penalty area before directing a cross towards the edge of the six-yard box, where Raphinha finished to put the visitors ahead.
Yamal was again the provider in the 69th minute, releasing the Brazilian into space with a forward pass. Raphinha had the advantage over the retreating defence and finished past Vlachodimos to complete his treble.
The 3-1 result turned a difficult opening in Seville into another winning stop on Barcelona’s domestic journey. Seven matches into the campaign, the league leaders remain perfect.
