Barcelona roared back to the top of La Liga on Sunday, with Raphinha’s hat-trick leading a thrilling 5-2 victory over Sevilla at a partially-rebuilt Camp Nou. The win restored a four-point lead at the summit after Real Madrid narrowed the gap with a win over Elche on Saturday.
Hansi Flick’s side put on a dominant display, with Dani Olmo and Joao Cancelo also finding the net, as the Spanish champions sent a strong message ahead of their Champions League clash against Newcastle on Wednesday.
The match was played in front of around 56,000 fans, who were not only cheering for the football but also casting their votes in Barcelona’s presidential elections, with Joan Laporta and Victor Font in contention for the club’s top role.
Barcelona were handed two early penalties thanks to a sloppy Sevilla backline. Djibril Sow clumsily clipped full-back Cancelo in the box, allowing Raphinha to dink home the first goal in the ninth minute. Sevilla compounded their woes when Jose Angel Carmona handled the ball as Cancelo tried to dribble past, giving Raphinha a second spot-kick, which he calmly slotted low past goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos.
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The Catalans extended their lead to three in the 38th minute when Marc Bernal’s deflected cross found Dani Olmo, who delivered a clinical finish, before Sevilla pulled one back just before halftime through Oso, after Juanlu Sanchez created space on the flank.
Raphinha completed his hat-trick early in the second half with a heavily deflected strike, cementing his star performance. Cancelo also capped an impressive attacking display with a goal of his own, cutting through the Sevilla defense to slot the ball past Vlachodimos.
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Flick gave fans a glimpse of Barcelona’s youth talent by introducing 21-year-old Gavi for the final 10 minutes, marking the midfielder’s first appearance since a severe knee injury in August. Sevilla grabbed a consolation goal in stoppage time through Djibril Sow, but by then, Barcelona were already looking ahead to their midweek Champions League fixture against Newcastle.
With this win, Barcelona not only reinforced their La Liga credentials but also showcased depth, attacking flair, and the kind of clinical finishing that could make them a serious threat on all fronts this season.
