Raphinha's hat-trick rescues Barcelona from behind to stay perfect in La Liga

Raphinha struck a hat-trick to drag Barcelona back from a goal down and seal a 3-1 victory at Sevilla’s Sánchez-Pizjuán on Saturday, keeping the Blaugrana perfect through seven La Liga matches.

Sevilla made the brighter start and took the lead when Youssouf Fofana headed home a cross from the left. Barcelona had shown early promise — Lamine Yamal struck the post in the visitors’ first clear chance — but Sevilla gradually grew into the contest and held their advantage into the break.

Barcelona levelled before half-time through their captain. Andreas Christensen threaded a through ball into the box and Raphinha finished to make it 1-1, though the teams went in level at the interval after Barcelona struggled to convert good positions and Sevilla remained dangerous on the counter.

The visitors were sharper after the restart, controlling possession and limiting Sevilla’s opportunities to break. Yamal won the ball high up the pitch and provided the assist for Raphinha’s second, who headed in to put Barcelona ahead for the first time. The Brazilian then completed his hat-trick when Yamal released him through on goal and he lifted the ball over goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos.

The afternoon was not without concern for Barcelona: Christensen was forced off with a thigh injury during the second half. The Blaugrana nonetheless managed the closing stages comfortably and saw out the win.

According to the match report, the three goals represented Raphinha’s second hat-trick in the space of four days — a remarkable run of form for the Barcelona captain. The result sends the club into the international break at the top of La Liga with a flawless record of seven wins from seven.