Raphinha

Raphinha scored a superb hat-trick to earn Barcelona a 3-1 win against Sevilla in LaLiga on Saturday and preserve their 100 percent record.

Barcelona moved six points clear of Real Madrid, who visit Atletico Madrid in a derby clash on Sunday.

Hansi Flick’s side were given the biggest test of their season to date but overcame Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan thanks to Raphinha’s treble.

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The Brazil international has started the season in sensational form, playing out of position as a central striker.

Raphinha, who is LaLiga’s top goalscorer, reached 12 goals in seven league appearances with a second consecutive hat-trick, and scored twice more in the Champions League.

Flick told reporters: “We know the quality of Raphinha and we’re very happy about him, he gives us a lot.

“Today, the team gives him the last pass and he made it happen for us, so it’s good.

“After these numbers in these eight games, he’s very happy to play as a number nine.”

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Barcelona sporting director Deco said the former Leeds winger had agreed to extend his stay at the club until 2030 ahead of the game, and Raphinha celebrated in style.

“He’s very good and can adapt to any position up front. We give him the balls and he scores the goals,” Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez said after the game.

The Spanish champions claimed an eighth win from eight games across all competitions this season, as they continue setting the pace in the Spanish top flight.

Sevilla captain Gabriel Suazo said: “We knew we were facing a tremendous opponent, one of the teams playing the best football in the world.

“We lacked energy in the second half but we competed until the end. We leave with our heads held high, having shown a good attitude.”

Elsewhere, Celta Vigo thrashed Racing Santander 5-0, Athletic Bilbao and Alaves drew 0-0, and Osasuna were held 1-1 by Rayo Vallecano.

Segun Ojo
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