Raphinha hits treble as Liga leaders Barca thrash Sevilla

Raphinha secured a hat-trick while Barcelona demolished Sevilla 5-2, re-establishing their four-point advantage at the summit of La Liga on Sunday.

Following Real Madrid's win over Elche on Saturday that narrowed the margin, the Spanish title holders hit back with an emphatic triumph.

Dani Olmo and Joao Cancelo also found the net for Hansi Flick's team, who will face Newcastle at home in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Supporters arrived early at the venue to participate in the club's presidential vote, with Joan Laporta or Victor Font set to be declared the new leader later that evening.

The crowd cheered midfielder Gavi upon his comeback from a serious knee problem in the closing stages.

"It was really challenging, to be frank," Gavi shared with DAZN about his rehabilitation, marking his return since August.

The Spanish midfielder also sat out much of the 2023/24 campaign due to injury.

"This period felt tougher than before; I struggled quite a bit. The recovery involved more pain and daily difficulties," Gavi added.

"Yet returning to Camp Nou alongside my teammates, supporters, and everyone feels incredible, and I'm truly delighted."

After the 1-1 stalemate against Newcastle in the last-16 opening match, Flick opted to rest Lamine Yamal on the sidelines and gave young Xavi Espart his debut start at right-back.

Barcelona benefited from two spot-kicks against a lacklustre Sevilla outfit, launching them into an ideal beginning at the partly renovated Camp Nou, where the north stand was at last approved for use.

Approximately 56,000 spectators turned up to witness a relatively easy victory over the 14th-placed Andalusian team.

Djibril Sow awkwardly fouled the charging Barcelona defender Cancelo inside the area, allowing Raphinha to calmly chip the ball into the net for the opener in the ninth minute.

The Brazilian forward earned a second penalty for his side when Jose Angel Carmona, on the ground, inadvertently touched the ball as Cancelo attempted to navigate past him.

On this occasion, Raphinha struck it low to the left; although keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos dived correctly, he failed to stop it.

Comfortable

The home team added a third goal in the 38th minute as Marc Bernal's wayward delivery from the left wing deceived defenders and reached Olmo, who slotted it home with precision.

Sevilla responded just before half-time when Juanlu Sanchez outpaced Cancelo and delivered a cross for Oso to tap in unchallenged at the far post.

Raphinha finished off his treble shortly after the restart with a shot that took a significant deflection, as Barcelona dominated under the warm spring sun.

Cancelo rounded off a strong forward performance by netting himself, surging into the penalty area and firing through Vlachodimos's legs.

Manager Flick introduced the 21-year-old Gavi for the last 10 minutes, and Ronald Araujo passed him the captain's band.

Sow managed a consolation for Sevilla in added time, heading in Oso's delivery, though Barcelona's thoughts had already turned to Wednesday's clash with Newcastle.

"Barcelona played exceptionally well... Those two early penalties we conceded really damaged us, making the match tough thereafter," commented Sevilla's Nemanja Gudelj.