Femi Fabunmi
Barcelona came from behind to beat Sevilla 3-1 in their LaLiga clash at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Saturday.
Raphinha was the star of the match, scoring all three goals as Barcelona recovered from an early setback to secure all three points.
Sevilla took the lead in the 19th minute when Youssouf Fofana headed home from Felix Correia’s cross.
Barcelona responded quickly, with Raphinha equalising just three minutes later. Andreas Christensen played him through, and the Brazilian finished from inside the box.
Raphinha completed the turnaround seven minutes after the restart. Lamine Yamal sent a cross towards the near post, and Raphinha headed the ball past Sevilla goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos in the 52nd minute.
The Barcelona captain completed his hat trick in the 69th minute. Yamal was again involved, providing the pass before Raphinha finished with his left foot from inside the penalty area.
Barcelona dominated the game after taking the lead and created several more chances. The visitors had 69 percent possession and completed 642 passes compared with Sevilla’s 278.
Barcelona also had 24 shots to Sevilla’s seven, with seven of their efforts on target. They created six big chances, while Sevilla managed only one.
The visitors also had the advantage in expected goals, recording 3.26 compared with Sevilla’s 0.45.
Raphinha produced a complete attacking performance. He finished the game with four shots, three of them on target, and also hit the woodwork.
The Brazilian scored with his right foot, headed in his second goal and completed the hat trick with his left foot.
He received a perfect Sofascore rating of 10 and was also voted the fans’ Player of the Match.
Yamal was another key player for Barcelona. The youngster provided two assists, created six key chances and helped his team maintain pressure on Sevilla.
He also hit the post and completed 45 of his 52 passes.
Rodri also played an important role in midfield, making five tackles, winning four of them and completing 66 of his 73 passes.
Barcelona controlled the game particularly well after half-time, limiting Sevilla to very few clear opportunities.
Sevilla goalkeeper Vlachodimos made five saves, but Barcelona’s attacking quality eventually proved too much for the hosts.
The victory gives Hansi Flick’s side another important result in LaLiga, with Raphinha’s hat trick providing the biggest highlight of the night.
