A stunning hat-trick from Raphinha inspired FC Barcelona to a commanding 5–2 victory over Sevilla FC, helping the Catalan side strengthen their position at the top of the La Liga table. With the dominant win, Hansi Flick’s team restored a four-point lead over arch-rivals Real Madrid. The victory also served as sweet revenge for Barcelona, who had suffered a 4–1 defeat at Sevilla’s ground last October.
Barcelona took the lead in the 9th minute through Raphinha after a penalty was awarded when João Cancelo was fouled in the box by Djibril Sow. The Brazilian forward confidently converted the spot-kick with a Panenka.
Shortly afterwards, Barcelona earned another penalty when Cancelo’s shot struck the hand of João Carmona. After a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot again, and Raphinha doubled the lead in the 21st minute.
Barcelona maintained their pressure and scored their third goal in the 38th minute through Dani Olmo, who finished brilliantly from a cross delivered by Marc Bernal.
However, Sevilla pulled one back in first-half stoppage time when Chidera Ejuke scored from a pass by Juanlu Sánchez.
Early in the second half, Raphinha completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute. His shot from inside the box, following a pass from Fermín López, took a deflection off a defender and found the net. It was his first hat-trick of the league season and brought his tally to 17 goals in all competitions.
Cancelo then added Barcelona’s fifth goal in the 60th minute with a brilliant solo run from midfield before beating the goalkeeper. The shot deflected off Odysseas Vlachodimos and went into the net.
Sevilla managed a late consolation goal in stoppage time when Djibril Sow headed in, but it only reduced the deficit.
The victory also marked an impressive milestone for Barcelona, as it was their 14th consecutive league win at home, their best run since December 2019. Fans also had another reason to celebrate as young midfielder Gavi returned to the pitch for the first time since August after recovering from injury.
Barcelona now sit comfortably at the top of the table with 70 points from 28 matches, having won 23 and drawn once. Real Madrid are second with 66 points from the same number of games. Meanwhile, Sevilla remain 14th with 31 points, just six points above the relegation zone.
After this dominant league victory, Barcelona will now shift their focus to the UEFA Champions League, where they face English side Newcastle United F.C. on Wednesday. ⚽🔥