Barcelona beat Sevilla 3-1 as Raphinha hits second hat-trick

Barcelona came from behind to beat Sevilla 3-1 at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium as Raphinha scored his second hat-trick in successive games.

The Brazilian forward produced another clinical finishing display, scoring all three of Barcelona's goals to take his season tally to 14 goals in all competitions.

The victory extended Barcelona's winning run in La Liga to seven matches and moved them to 21 points, six clear of second-placed Real Madrid and third-placed Real Betis, although Barcelona have played one game more.

Sevilla strike first in entertaining opening

Sevilla took the lead in the 19th minute after a well-worked attacking move.

Felix Correia delivered a cross towards the near post, where Youssouf Fofana arrived to head the ball beyond Barcelona goalkeeper and give the hosts a 1-0 advantage.

Barcelona's response was immediate, however, with Raphinha restoring parity just three minutes later.

The Brazilian checked back inside before calmly sending his finish beyond Sevilla goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos to make it 1-1.

The two sides went into half-time level.

Raphinha puts Barcelona ahead

Barcelona turned the match around shortly after the restart.

Lamine Yamal played a crucial role in the 52nd-minute goal, dribbling away from goal before clipping a cross towards Raphinha.

The former Leeds United forward met the delivery with a header and found the net to put Barcelona 2-1 ahead.

Yamal was involved again for Raphinha's third.

In the 69th minute, the teenager produced an exquisite pass to release the Brazilian inside the Sevilla defence. Raphinha then showed composure to chip the ball over Vlachodimos and complete his hat-trick.

It was Raphinha's second treble in the space of four days, having also scored three times in Barcelona's 7-2 victory over Racing Santander the previous Wednesday.

Barcelona extend La Liga lead

The 3-1 victory gave Barcelona their eighth consecutive win in all competitions and their seventh straight league victory.

Raphinha's three goals were the decisive difference, while Yamal contributed two assists in an impressive attacking display.

Barcelona now sit top of La Liga with 21 points, six ahead of both Real Madrid and Real Betis.

Real Madrid are due to visit city rivals Atletico Madrid on Sunday, while Real Betis travel to Deportivo La Coruna.

Sevilla, meanwhile, remain fifth in the table with 13 points after suffering defeat at home.

Barcelona's latest victory also underlined the form of Raphinha, who has now produced back-to-back hat-tricks and taken his season tally to 14 goals in all competitions.

SportsLigue