Raphinha’s hat-trick inspired Barcelona to a dominant 5-2 victory over Sevilla, restoring their four-point lead at the top of La Liga.
RAPHINHA scored a hat-trick as Barcelona thrashed Sevilla 5-2 on Sunday. The emphatic victory restored the league leaders’ four-point advantage over Real Madrid, who had won on Saturday.
Dani Olmo and Joao Cancelo also found the net for Hansi Flick’s side. The win came on the same day club members re-elected Joan Laporta as president for another five-year term.
“Three points more, one game less and we scored five goals, it was good to see,” Flick told reporters. He called for a sharper performance ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 second leg against Newcastle United.
“We have to be focused for the next game because Newcastle is a great team.”
Barcelona were awarded two early penalties at the partially-rebuilt Camp Nou. Raphinha converted both spot-kicks in the first half, first with a delicate chip and then with a low drive.
Olmo added a third goal before the break with a clinical finish. Sevilla’s Oso pulled one back just before half-time to make it 3-1.
Raphinha completed his treble early in the second half with a deflected shot. “Playing like this it’s hard for teams to beat us,” Raphinha told DAZN.
“I love this club, and the way to respond from the love I receive from the fans is by scoring goals and kissing the badge.”
Cancelo capped the scoring by finishing through the goalkeeper’s legs. Sevilla’s Djibril Sow headed a late consolation goal in stoppage time.
The match also marked the emotional return of midfielder Gavi. The 21-year-old came on for the final 10 minutes after recovering from a severe knee injury.
“It has been very tough, if I’m honest,” Gavi told DAZN. “This time was much harder than the last time, I was having a bad time of it.”
In other La Liga matches, Real Betis and Celta Vigo drew 1-1 in their battle for European qualification. Real Sociedad beat Osasuna 3-1 with Goncalo Guedes scoring twice.
Mallorca climbed out of the relegation zone with a 2-1 win over Espanyol. The defeated side have not won a match in 2026.
The Sun Malaysia
