Raphinha hits hat-trick as Barca scores seven
Raphinha's first career hat-trick helped Barcelona remain perfect in LaLiga as it thumped Real Valladolid 7-0 at Estadi Lluis Companys.
A commanding display saw Barcelona enter the international break top of the table as Hansi Flick became the first head coach of the club to win each of his first four league games in charge since 2017-2018.
Brazilian Raphinha opened the scoring with 20 minutes on the clock, beating Karl Hein with a deft finish after being picked out by Pau Cubarsi.
The hosts entered the interval with a three-goal advantage as Robert Lewandowski struck his fourth of the season before Jules Kounde picked out the top corner in the second minute of added time.
Raphinha grabbed his second of the game just after the hour, completing his maiden treble eight minutes later with another fine finish.
Dani Olmo later marked his home debut with his second goal in as many games for his new club, with Raphinha then turning provider for Ferran Torres to complete the emphatic display.
Raphinha's treble was the first of his career across Europe's top five leagues, scoring two goals for the second time for Barcelona, having done so in April 2024 against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League.
Lamine Yamal, meanwhile, has now been involved in 14 goals in 42 appearances in LaLiga – six goals and eight assists – the most by a player before turning 18 in the competition in the 21st Century, surpassing Bojan Krkic's 13 involvements – 10 goals and three assists.
It also marked Barcelona's biggest win in a LaLiga match since since April 2016 against Deportivo La Coruna at Riazor – an 8-0 result – and its biggest home win in the competition since March 2014 against Osasuna, also 7-0.
Raphinha believes the team has now laid down a statement of intent by starting the season with four straight wins and the results have demonstrated the club got things right in the transfer market
"Today's game has shown that there is no need for anyone else to come. We are very happy because of that," he said.
"We are in very good shape. The team is working hard. Today's result shows what we are working for.
"We saw that the coach was on the sidelines asking for more goals and that's our mentality.
"We are hungry and want to score as many goals as we can. When we are dominant like we have been, the best way to respect our rivals is not taking the foot off the gas."
Raphinha was one of the players who faced criticism during Barca's trophyless 2023-2024 campaign and was rumoured to be on his way out ahead of the new season.
The Blaugrana again battled financial restrictions throughout the window, allowing Ilkay Gundogan to leave in order to secure the registration of new arrival Olmo.
With his future now certain, Raphinha is keen to nail down a starting spot and contribute on a regular basis.
"I don't know if today's was my best game, but it's certainly among my best. I will try to play even better and as much as I can," the Brazilian said.
"I'm very happy to be able to help the team. I feel good. I knew that this season would be very important for me. I'm looking for my best version to help my team-mates and be more confident."
