Barcelona left Seville with a 3-1 win built on Raphinha’s complete hat-trick, surviving a punishing first half before turning the match decisively after the interval. The Brazilian scored with his right foot, his left foot and a header as Barça made it seven victories from seven ahead of the international break.
What the night decided
The result keeps Barcelona at the summit and guarantees that they will extend their advantage over Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid or both when those two sides meet on the following day. Yet this was far from a routine away win at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.
Sevilla were the most demanding opponents Barcelona have faced so far. Their approach was built on aggressive pressing, physical duels and a refusal to allow Hansi Flick’s side time on the ball. Agoumé and Fofana controlled much of the midfield battle, while Sierra repeatedly found space on the right and Félix Correira caused Eric serious problems early on.
Flick selected Livaković in goal, a choice that brought reassurance after uncertainty over the position. In front of him, however, Barcelona spent long spells under pressure. Rodri was repeatedly required to cover danger across the pitch, including a crucial late intervention to deny Correira just before half-time when Sevilla supporters were ready to celebrate.
Barcelona did have moments of threat. Gordon struck the post after eight minutes following an excellent Odysseas save, but then endured a difficult spell against Suazo and became distracted by appeals for a penalty that was not given.
Sevilla’s pressure produced the opening goal in the 22nd minute. Correira exploited another lapse involving Eric and supplied Fofana, who headed home. Barcelona responded quickly, though, through Raphinha. Christensen’s pass found the forward, who cut inside past Sangante and finished to level the score.
Even after drawing level, Barcelona were relieved to reach the break without further damage. Sevilla’s intensity had made the contest uncomfortable, with Lamine Yamal also struggling to establish himself in the first period.
Raphinha changes the balance
Barcelona returned with a far greater grip on possession and purpose. Lamine Yamal fired narrowly wide twice shortly after the restart, then made the telling contribution by recovering the ball in the press and delivering into the central area. Raphinha arrived before his marker to head Barcelona in front.
The Brazilian nearly added an extraordinary fourth-style moment from a corner, attempting an Olympic goal directly from the flag. His effort hit the Sevilla post, and Rodri could not turn in the rebound.
Raphinha did complete his treble when Lamine Yamal again chose the team option, releasing Barcelona’s number 10 for a finish that sealed the match. The three goals completed a perfect hat-trick: one right-footed strike, one left-footed finish and one header.
Flick withdrew Raphinha after his decisive display. Gordon remained on the pitch but missed two clear chances, extending a difficult run in front of goal. Sevilla, so forceful before the break, could not recover once Barcelona’s second-half surge took hold.
Barcelona’s key moments in Seville
- Fofana put Sevilla ahead after 22 minutes with a header from Correira’s delivery.
- Raphinha equalised after Christensen found him in space, beating Sangante before finishing.
- Raphinha headed in Barcelona’s second following Lamine Yamal’s recovery and cross.
- Lamine Yamal supplied the final assist as Raphinha completed his hat-trick.
- Barcelona have now won all seven matches before the break.
