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La Liga

Raphinha Hat-Trick Sends Barcelona Six Points Clear After 3-1 Sevilla Win

By WAF News Desk 3 min read
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Barcelona maintained their perfect start to the 2026/27 La Liga season as a Raphinha hat-trick powered Hansi Flick’s side to a 3-1 victory over Sevilla.

The result gives Barcelona seven wins from seven league matches and moves the defending champions six points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table, although their rivals have a game in hand.

Raphinha turns the game after Sevilla strike first

Barcelona did not have everything their own way. Sevilla stunned the hosts by taking the lead through Youssouf Fofana in the 18th minute, briefly threatening to end the leaders’ flawless opening to the campaign.

The response was immediate. Raphinha equalised four minutes later to restore control before taking over the contest after half-time. The Brazilian struck twice more in the second half to complete his hat-trick and seal a 3-1 win.

It was another decisive performance from Barcelona’s captain, whose three goals took him to 12 in only seven La Liga appearances this season. That remarkable early-season return has made Raphinha one of the major drivers of Barcelona’s perfect league record.

Barcelona make it seven wins from seven

Barcelona’s victory means Flick’s team head into the next stage of the season with maximum points from their opening seven league games. They have repeatedly found ways to win even when opponents have disrupted their rhythm, and the comeback against Sevilla was another example.

Lamine Yamal was also influential, providing an assist and stretching Sevilla with his movement and one-on-one threat. Barcelona were forced to work through difficult periods, but their attacking quality ultimately separated the teams.

The six-point advantage over Real Madrid puts immediate pressure on their biggest title rivals. Madrid can reduce the gap with their game in hand, but Barcelona have already established the early benchmark in the La Liga title race.

Christensen injury gives Flick a concern

The main negative for Barcelona came in the second half when Andreas Christensen was forced off with an injury. The extent of the problem was not immediately clear, leaving Flick with a fitness concern despite another important victory.

With domestic and European fixtures placing increasing demands on the squad, Christensen’s condition will be watched closely. Barcelona’s depth could become increasingly important as the schedule intensifies.

Raphinha emerging as Barcelona’s early-season difference-maker

Raphinha’s numbers are difficult to ignore. Twelve league goals after seven matches is an extraordinary return, and his hat-trick against Sevilla came when Barcelona needed a response after falling behind.

His finishing, movement and ability to attack space have made him central to Flick’s forward line, while Barcelona continue to benefit from the threat created around him by Yamal and the rest of their attacking unit.

For Sevilla, the opening goal offered hope of a major upset, but Barcelona’s pressure eventually proved too much. For the league leaders, the comeback preserves a perfect record and strengthens their position at the top.

Seven games, seven wins and a captain scoring at a remarkable rate: Barcelona could hardly have asked for a stronger opening to their La Liga title defence.

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