Raphinha led Barcelona to a 3-1 comeback win over hosts Sevilla on Saturday evening, 19 September 2026, at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium, scoring all three of his team’s goals in the seventh round of La Liga.
Barcelona come from behind after Fofana’s goal
The victory maintained Barcelona’s perfect league record, taking their tally to 21 points from seven matches at the top of the table. Hansi Flick’s side also secured an eighth win in eight matches in all competitions since the start of the season. Sevilla began strongly and put their visitors under pressure before taking the lead through Youssouf Fofana in the 19th minute.
Félix Correira broke down the left and sent in a cross that Fofana headed into the net from close range past Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković. The hosts’ lead lasted only three minutes, as Raphinha equalised in the 22nd minute. The Brazilian received a low pass from Andreas Christensen inside the penalty area, evaded Arona Sangante and fired a low right-footed shot into the net.
Sevilla continued to threaten during the first half, while Barcelona struggled to play the ball out under pressure from the hosts. Livaković, making his Barcelona debut in place of the injured Joan García, saved an effort from Rubén Vargas before half-time, and the first half ended 1-1.
Raphinha puts Barcelona ahead after the break
Barcelona began the second half more actively, with Lamine Yamal seeking to threaten Sevilla’s goal in the opening minutes. In the 52nd minute, the young Spanish player won possession near the penalty area and sent over a right-footed cross, which Raphinha moved in front of the defender to head into the net and give the visitors a 2-1 lead.
Christensen suffered an injury during the second half and left the field in the 59th minute, with Gerard Martín replacing him. The forced change did not stop Barcelona from searching for a third goal, while Sevilla tried to get back into the match through counter-attacks.
Raphinha settled the match in the 69th minute after receiving a through ball from Lamine Yamal. He ran in behind the Sevilla defence before calmly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos. The goal completed the Brazilian forward’s second consecutive league hat-trick and took his tally to 12 goals in the competition’s first seven rounds.
Raphinha scored the three goals with his right foot, head and left foot, while Lamine Yamal created the second and third goals. The Brazilian forward left the field in the 77th minute after giving Barcelona a comfortable advantage for the closing stages of the match.
Flick praises Raphinha’s attacking impact
Flick said after the match that it had been difficult, particularly in the first half, explaining that his players had given the ball away more easily than usual before improving after the break. He added that the team knew Raphinha’s capabilities and that the player was giving Barcelona a great deal, noting that his team-mates had succeeded in supplying him with the final passes.
The Barcelona manager said Raphinha’s numbers during the team’s first eight matches had made him comfortable playing as a central striker. The Brazilian has operated in an advanced position this season, despite previously playing mainly on the wing.
Midfielder Fermín López said Raphinha could adapt to any position across the front line, adding that his team-mates’ job was to supply him with the ball while he took responsibility for scoring the goals. Sporting director Deco had said before the match that the player had agreed to extend his stay with Barcelona until 2030.
Sevilla admit they lost energy in the second half
Sevilla captain Gabriel Suazo, meanwhile, said his team knew it was facing a strong opponent and one of the sides playing the best football. He added that Sevilla lacked energy in the second half, but continued competing until the end and showed good spirit. Sevilla suffered their second defeat of the season, leaving them on 13 points.
Barcelona temporarily extended their lead at the top before the Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, maintaining their unbeaten start before the international break.
