Sevilla 1-3 FC Barcelona: Raphinha does it again!
This was a test. Perhaps the toughest Barça have faced all season. But when the questions became difficult, Raphinha once again had all the answers.
At the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, the Brazilian captain scored his second hat-trick in two games, taking his tally to 12 goals in the first seven Liga fixtures, as Hansi Flick’s side came from behind to beat in-form Sevilla 3–1.
Raphinha’s start to the season has gone well beyond impressive and into the extraordinary.
That also makes it eight victories from eight competitive matches, extending the best start to a season in Barça history. In the league, the leaders now have 21 points on the board and can enjoy Sunday’s Madrid derby from the most comfortable of positions.
Big test
The result might look comfortable, but the first half was anything but. Sevilla pressed ferociously, closed down the spaces and forced Barça into the kind of errors that have been so rare this season. The home side carried a constant threat on the break, and their positive start was rewarded after 19 minutes when Correia’s cross was powerfully headed home by Fofana.
For the first time in several weeks, there was a genuine feeling that Barça’s remarkable winning run might be in danger.
But Sevilla’s lead lasted just three minutes. Christensen found Raphinha inside the area, the Brazilian produced a delightful backheel turn to escape Sangante and then drilled a precise shot across Odysseas and into the net.
It was a goal created out of very little, and exactly the response Barça needed.
Livaković stands firm
With Joan Garcia injured, Dominik Livaković was handed his Barça debut in one of the most demanding away fixtures on the calendar.
The Croatian handled the occasion with admirable calm. He was alert whenever Sevilla threatened to get in behind the defence, coming off his line decisively and making a solid stop from Robbie Ure shortly before the break.
Barça had enjoyed more of the ball, but Sevilla had arguably created the greater danger. At half-time, with the score at 1–1, the unbeaten start still hung in the balance.
That’s a Raph!
Barça emerged for the second half with far greater purpose. Lamine Yamal twice went close within the opening three minutes and then, in the 52nd minute, collected a loose ball, turned superbly and floated a delicate cross into the six-yard box. Raphinha wanted it more than anybody else, darting in front of Sangante to head Barça into the lead.
There was still plenty of work to do, particularly against a Sevilla side that refused to surrender. Barça also lost Christensen to injury, with Gerard Martín coming on in his place.
But then came the magic. Rodri broke the first line with a wonderful pass to Lamine, who waited for precisely the right moment before releasing Raphinha. The Brazilian raced clear, kept his composure and delicately lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.
Hat-trick complete. Game over.
Eight out of eight
Raphinha’s three goals had carried Barça safely through their sternest examination so far. Flick’s side had been troubled, pushed and placed under pressure, but they could relax for the last twenty minutes knowing yet another win was beyond safe.
Players and fans alike can now catch their breath. The international fixtures mean there will be a three-week gap before the next game, but if this story continues as it has started, it’s one that will be well worth the wait.