FC Barcelona are simply unstoppable in La Liga. In Seville, the league leaders didn’t let an early deficit rattle them. In Andalusia, they could rely on Raphinha, who scored all three goals.
Years ago, the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán was considered one of the toughest away fixtures in La Liga, before Sevilla FC gradually went into decline. On Saturday evening, however, Barcelona were still on their guard; the Andalusians had gone three matches without defeat and were in fifth place going into the matchday.
Hansi Flick therefore stuck with his first-choice line-up following the 7–2 win over Racing Santander, fielding Pedri, Rodri and Fermin behind Gordon, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. The first bits of good news had already reached the fans that afternoon: sporting director Deco had announced the imminent contract extensions for Xavi Espart, Marc Bernal and, in particular, Raphinha.
Flick kept his full focus on Sevilla, a team he had warned his side about. However, the first chance fell to Barcelona: Lamine Yamal hit the left post after some fine dribbling (8’). Shortly afterwards, though, a defensive lapse by the visitors was ruthlessly punished: Fofana headed a Felix cross from the byline into the near corner (19’).
The hosts’ joy was short-lived: Christensen played the ball to Raphinha on the edge of the opposition’s penalty area; he made his marker Sangante look completely out of his depth, leaving him in his wake before coolly slotting into the far corner (22′).
However, the league leaders were unable to turn the game in their favour before half-time. In the dressing room, however, Flick evidently had a stern word with his players. Barcelona came out for the second half a completely different side and quickly turned the match around.
A burst of pace from Lamine Yamal was enough to put Raphinha through: the Brazilian reacted quickly to head the ball past his marker (52′). Shortly afterwards, however, Flick’s expression darkened once more as Christensen – who has frequently struggled with serious injuries in the past – had to be substituted and sat on the bench in tears.
Raphinha initially missed out on a hat-trick in spectacular fashion, with a corner struck directly at goal clattering against the left post (64.) . Five minutes later, however, Barcelona’s in-form centre-forward had reason to celebrate: Lamine Yamal set him up once again – and Raphinha coolly lifted the ball over the onrushing Vlachodimos (69).
The match was all but decided and was drawing to a close. With 21 points from seven matches and a goal difference of 31–7, Barcelona head into the international break as the undisputed league leaders. Sevilla, at the very least, remain firmly in fifth place.