Brazil international, Raphinha scored a hat-trick as Barcelona came from behind to defeat Sevilla 3-1 at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium on Saturday, extending their winning run to eight consecutive matches.
The forward struck three times in the space of 47 minutes to complete his second hat-trick in less than a week.
The 29-year-old had also scored three goals in Barcelona’s 7-2 victory over Racing Santander three days earlier, taking his tally to 14 goals in all competitions this season.
Sevilla took the lead in the 19th minute when Youssouf Fofana headed home from Felix Correia’s cross after the hosts had made a lively start to the contest.
Barcelona responded almost immediately, with Raphinha restoring parity three minutes later.
Andreas Christensen played the Brazilian through, and he left Arouna Sangante on the floor before calmly finding the bottom corner.
Raphinha completed his brace seven minutes into the second half.
Lamine Yamal collected a rebound and chipped the ball into the area, allowing the Brazilian to head past the Sevilla goalkeeper and put Barcelona ahead.
The visitors continued to threaten, with Raphinha hitting the post in the 64th minute.
Five minutes later, however, he completed his hat-trick after Rodri released Yamal, who then slipped the ball through for Raphinha to produce a clipped finish.
Sevilla had opportunities to trouble Barcelona, while the hosts also saw penalty appeals rejected on two occasions.
Barcelona lost Christensen to injury shortly after taking the lead, but Sevilla were unable to mount a comeback.
Karim Adeyemi replaced Raphinha in the 77th minute, while he came close to adding a fourth goal late on after breaking through on goal, only to shoot straight at the goalkeeper.
The victory keeps Barcelona’s perfect start intact, with the champions winning all eight of their matches so far.
