Raphinha hat-trick fuels Barcelona to 3-1 comeback win at Sevilla

Raphinha scored a hat-trick as Barcelona came from behind to beat Sevilla 3-1 away Saturday, extending their perfect start in eight competitive matches in La Liga.

Sevilla took the lead in the 19th minute when Fofana headed home Correia's cross to punish Barcelona after an intense opening spell from the hosts.

Barcelona responded three minutes later. Christensen found Raphinha inside the box, and the Brazilian escaped Sangante with a backheel turn before firing across goalkeeper Odysseas and into the net.

The teams went into halftime level, with Sevilla continuing to pose a threat on the counterattack.

Barcelona goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, making his debut for the club in place of the injured Joan Garcia, made several important interventions, including a save from Robbie Ure shortly before the break.

Barcelona increased the pressure after halftime, with Lamine Yamal coming close twice early in the second period.

In the 52nd minute, Yamal collected a loose ball and delivered a cross into the six-yard box, where Raphinha beat Sangante to head Barcelona in front.

Barcelona then lost Christensen to injury, with Gerard Martin replacing him.

Raphinha completed his hat-trick in the 80th minute after Rodri released Yamal with a pass. The young winger waited for the right moment before finding Raphinha, who raced through and lifted the ball above the advancing goalkeeper.

The victory extended Barcelona's best-ever start to a season to eight wins in eight competitive matches.

Raphinha has now scored two hat-tricks in his last two games, underlining his decisive role in Barcelona's unbeaten start.

Saturday’s results

Osasuna 1-1 Rayo Vallecano

Athletic Bilbao 0-0 Deportivo Alaves

Celta Vigo 5-0 Racing Santander