Raphinha hat-trick fires Barcelona to historic 7–2 win

Barcelona made club history with a seventh consecutive victory to begin the season after producing another spectacular Camp Nou performance in a 7–2 demolition of Racing Santander.

Raphinha was the star of the night, scoring a hat-trick as Barcelona raced into a 4–1 half-time lead before adding three more goals after the break.

João Cancelo, Gabriel Jesus and Lamine Yamal also got on the scoresheet, while another Cancelo effort took a deflection off Asier Villalibre and was credited as an own goal.

Maguette Gueye and Yassir Zabiri scored for Santander, but they could do little to contain a Barcelona side that have now scored 33 goals this season at an average of nearly five per game.

The victory also restored Barcelona’s three-point advantage over Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga.

Barcelona start another goal rush

Barcelona immediately threatened to take control, with Yamal going close inside the opening 20 seconds before Dani Olmo dragged an effort wide.

Cancelo then produced the first major moment of the match when he unleashed a spectacular 25-yard strike that crashed against the underside of the crossbar.

Karim Adeyemi was unable to beat Julen Agirrezabala in a one-on-one situation, while Olmo later chipped wide after Yamal created an opening with an excellent pass using the outside of his right foot.

The pressure eventually told when Raphinha was brought down by Pedro Filipe inside the area.

Filipe was fortunate to avoid a red card after catching the Brazilian's ankle, but Raphinha made no mistake from the penalty spot, sending Agirrezabala the wrong way to put Barcelona ahead.

Santander briefly threaten Barcelona

Santander responded with their first shot on target after 30 minutes.

A slick one-touch passing move created the opening for Gueye, who kept his composure to finish and bring the visitors back into the contest.

Barcelona quickly restored their advantage, though, with Cancelo producing another powerful long-range effort.

His 30-yard strike flew into the net after taking a deflection off Villalibre, leaving Agirrezabala with no chance. The goal was subsequently credited as an own goal.

Barcelona then capitalised on a mistake in midfield.

A slack Santander pass allowed Rodri to take advantage as Adeyemi and Olmo found space. The move eventually created an opening for Raphinha, who calmly passed the ball into the corner to make it 3–1.

Raphinha completes first-half double

Barcelona continued to create openings and earned another penalty after Filipe brought down Adeyemi.

Yamal took responsibility for the spot-kick after Raphinha had converted the first, but the young forward's attempt lacked the power required to trouble Agirrezabala.

The goalkeeper comfortably pushed the ball away.

Despite the missed penalty, Barcelona remained firmly in control and went into half-time with a 4–1 advantage, with Raphinha having already scored twice.

Santander pull another goal back

Yamal struck the post shortly after the restart as Barcelona continued to threaten.

Santander then found another way back into the match when Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was caught taking too long in possession.

Zabiri capitalised on the mistake to score Santander's second goal after 65 minutes and reduce the deficit to two.

Barcelona, however, responded almost immediately.

The hosts were awarded another penalty after Iker Luque brought down Adeyemi, and Raphinha took the ball this time.

The Brazilian converted from the spot to complete his hat-trick and restore Barcelona's three-goal cushion.

Jesus and Yamal complete Barcelona rout

Raphinha's third goal effectively ended Santander's hopes of another comeback, but Barcelona continued to attack.

With 11 minutes remaining, Yamal produced brilliant footwork and balance to create an opening and put Gabriel Jesus through on goal.

The Brazilian made no mistake, finishing in style to make it 6–2.

Barcelona were still not finished.

Adeyemi drove through a tiring Santander defence before setting up Yamal, who finally got the goal his overall performance deserved.

The final score was 7–2, completing another emphatic Barcelona victory.

Barcelona make club history

The win marked the first time Barcelona have opened a season with seven consecutive victories.

Their latest attacking display also took their tally to 33 goals for the campaign, underlining the remarkable scoring form that has accompanied their perfect start.

Raphinha's hat-trick was the centrepiece of another dominant Camp Nou performance, while Cancelo, Gabriel Jesus and Yamal also contributed to the rout.

Barcelona now sit three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga after re-establishing their advantage with another seven-goal performance.

SportsLigue