Raphinha Hits Back-to-Back Hat-Tricks as Barcelona Beat Sevilla 3-1

Sevilla 1–3 Barcelona

Raphinha is showing no signs of slowing down. Just four days after scoring a hat-trick against Racing, the Brazilian forward produced another three-goal performance as Barcelona defeated Sevilla 3–1 to maintain their perfect start to the season.

The biggest change in Raphinha’s game this season has been his role. After spending much of his Barcelona career operating from the wings, the Brazilian has increasingly been used as a central striker—and the results have been remarkable.

Sevilla Strike First, Raphinha Responds

Sevilla made the stronger start at home and took the lead in the 19th minute. Youssef Fofana rose highest to head the hosts in front.

The goal, however, appeared to wake Barcelona’s attacking threat.

Just three minutes later, Raphinha restored parity. Andreas Christensen played a defence-splitting pass into his path, and the Brazilian created space with a sharp inside movement before calmly finishing with his right foot.

It was the beginning of another outstanding individual performance.

Yamal Provides, Raphinha Finishes

Barcelona grew stronger after the break, with Lamine Yamal playing a key role in Raphinha’s hat-trick.

In the 52nd minute, Yamal delivered an excellent cross after beating Sevilla’s defenders, allowing Raphinha to attack the ball and head it into the net.

The Brazilian completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute. Yamal once again found him with a perfectly weighted pass behind the Sevilla defence, and Raphinha produced a delicate left-footed chip over the goalkeeper.

The three goals were scored in three different ways—right foot, header and left foot—giving Raphinha a perfect hat-trick.

It was also his second hat-trick in just four days.

An Extraordinary Start to the Season

Raphinha now has 14 goals and three assists in his first eight matches of the campaign. His La Liga record is even more striking, with 12 goals in seven league appearances.

He has scored at least twice in four of those matches, establishing himself as one of the most productive attackers in Europe at the start of the season.

His opening seven La Liga matches also rank among the best starts in Barcelona’s history. Only Mariano Martín, who scored at the same rate during the 1943-44 season, had previously matched Raphinha’s tally for the club over that period.

In La Liga history, only two players had scored more during their first seven matches: Echeverría of Oviedo with 14 goals in 1943-44 and Cristiano Ronaldo with 13 in 2014-15.

Raphinha Taking on a New Role

Raphinha’s transformation from winger to striker has become one of the most notable features of Barcelona’s season.

His movement inside the penalty area, ability to finish with either foot and growing confidence in the air have added another dimension to Barcelona’s attack.

His style inside the box has even drawn comparisons with Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazário, the inspiration behind the “Raphinha da Lima” nickname.

Raphinha’s form is also putting him ahead of some of Europe’s biggest names in the early-season scoring charts. While Kylian Mbappé recently highlighted his own scoring numbers compared with Raphinha and Ousmane Dembélé, the Barcelona forward has currently moved ahead of the French star in this season’s tally.

Barcelona Maintain Perfect League Record

The victory over Sevilla keeps Barcelona at the top of La Liga with 21 points from seven matches.

They now hold a six-point advantage over second-placed Real Madrid, who have played one match fewer.

For Barcelona, however, the biggest story may be the form of Raphinha. With goals coming from his right foot, left foot and head—and with consecutive hat-tricks already on his record—the Brazilian is quickly establishing himself as the focal point of Barcelona’s attack.