Raphinha hat-trick keeps Barcelona perfect
Barcelona maintained its perfect start to the LaLiga season with a 3-1 victory at Sevilla as captain Raphinha scored a hat-trick to continue his prolific opening to the campaign.
Youssouf Fofana headed Sevilla in front after 18 minutes, but Raphinha equalised four minutes later before adding two second-half goals to seal Barcelona's seventh successive league win.
Barcelona moved provisionally six points clear of second-placed Real Madrid, which has a game in hand and plays Atletico Madrid in the derby on Monday (AEST).
Sevilla matched the visitors in a tentative start in which goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos produced a brilliant save to deny Lamine Yamal.
The hosts then became only the second team to take the lead against Barcelona this season when Felix Correia clipped in a cross from the left and Fofana headed past Dominik Livakovic, who was deputising for the injured Joan Garcia.
Barcelona responded quickly as Raphinha ran on to Andreas Christensen's pass and calmly beat Vlachodimos.
Sevilla continued to make life uncomfortable for Barcelona, which was struggling to create chances, and almost retook the lead before half-time. An inspired Fofana backheel released Correia, but Rodri made a goal-saving tackle.
Raphinha headed in his second goal in the 52nd minute after good footwork from Lamine in the box, and the Brazilian was inches away from a third when his corner hit the post.
He did complete his hat-trick in the 69th minute, racing behind the Sevilla defence to convert another Lamine assist for his 12th league goal in seven matches.
Barcelona controlled possession as the game fizzled out in the closing stages and threatened to add a fourth as Sevilla's challenge faded, although Christensen's second-half injury was a concern for Barca boss Hansi Flick.
Raphael Dias Belloli
FC Barcelona
Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana
FC Barcelona
