Raphinha's Second Hat-Trick in Two Matches Secures Barcelona's 8-0 Record

Barcelona maintained their perfect start to the 2026–27 season with a 3-1 victory over Sevilla on Saturday, extending their unbeaten run to eight wins across all competitions. Brazilian forward Raphinha scored his second consecutive hat-trick, following a treble against Racing Santander midweek, to reach 12 goals in seven La Liga matches and 14 in all competitions.

Sevilla opened the scoring in the 19th minute through Youssouf Fofana's header, threatening to become the first team to take points off the Spanish champions this season. Raphinha equalized three minutes later with a composed finish after evading his marker. Barcelona dominated possession in the second half, with Raphinha adding two more goals—one from a Lamine Yamal cross in the 52nd minute and a chip over goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos in the 69th minute. Yamal provided crucial creative support, delivering two assists for Raphinha's second and third goals.

Barcelona's victory extends their La Liga lead to six points ahead of Real Madrid's Sunday fixture against Atlético Madrid. Coach Hansi Flick acknowledged a difficult first half but praised his team's second-half response. "It was a difficult game, especially in the first half. We also gave away the ball too easily a lot, that's not usually our level," Flick said. He confirmed Raphinha's contract extension until 2030 hours before the match, describing the decision as correct for the club. Sevilla coach Luis García expressed frustration at Raphinha's omission from the Ballon d'Or shortlist announced earlier in September, calling the exclusion "a joke" and praising the forward as a match-winner.

Raphinha's conversion to striker following Robert Lewandowski's summer departure has yielded extraordinary returns. His 12 league goals surpass Lionel Messi's 10 in the 2011–12 season at the equivalent stage. Barcelona have scored 31 goals in seven league matches. Midfielder Rodri highlighted Raphinha, Yamal, and substitute Anthony Adeyemi for their contributions, while praising Gerard Martín's composed performance after replacing injured defender Andreas Christensen. Barcelona face a three-week international break before resuming action on October 10 against Getafe.