Raphinha hat-trick fires Barcelona past Sevilla as Flick hails captain and new No. 9

Raphinha keeps Barcelona perfect with Sevilla comeback

Raphinha scored a second hat-trick in four days to lead Barcelona back from a goal down in a 3-1 victory over Sevilla, extending the club’s perfect start to the 2026-27 LaLiga season.

Youssouf Fofana put Sevilla ahead in the 19th minute, but Raphinha equalised only three minutes later before completing the turnaround with two second-half goals. Lamine Yamal created both of the goals after the interval.

The result gave Barcelona a seventh consecutive league win. The club have scored 31 goals across their opening seven matches, while Raphinha has contributed 12 goals and three assists. That 15-goal involvement matches Karim Benzema’s record for the most goal involvements by a player in his first seven LaLiga games of the 21st century.

Flick: ‘There’s no better captain than Raphinha’

Hansi Flick praised Raphinha’s leadership after the match, particularly after moving him into a central No. 9 role previously occupied by Robert Lewandowski.

“There’s no better captain than Raphinha. He is the best captain we could have,” Flick said.

“When you see how he connects with the fans, with the team, he’s a leader; he gives his all,” the Barcelona coach added. “This season has been spectacular; the second half was incredible.”

Raphinha has now scored nine LaLiga goals against Sevilla, more than against any other opponent, and has found the net in each of his last two appearances against them. He is also the first player to score at least three goals in consecutive LaLiga matches since Antoine Griezmann in February 2018.

New contract agreement adds to Barcelona’s boost

The performance came on the same day sporting director Deco confirmed that Raphinha had agreed a new contract, reportedly keeping him at Barcelona until 2030. Raphinha said Flick’s confidence and tactical decision were central to his choice to remain at the club.

“I didn’t imagine I’d feel so comfortable in this position,” Raphinha said. “If the club wants me here, I feel I can give a lot more to the club, and my intention is to stay here for as long as I can.”

He added: “It has become the club of my life. I’m just another fan.”