Raphinha netted a hat trick as Barcelona surged back to a four-point lead at the top of LaLiga, dominating Sevilla with a 5-2 victory at the Nou Camp.
Dani Olmo and João Cancelo also found the net for Barcelona, who prepared excellently for their upcoming Champions League match against Newcastle.
This victory was particularly satisfying for Barça, who had previously suffered a 4-1 defeat to Sevilla in October.
In this match, it was Los Nervionenses who were outmatched, though they managed to score a pair of late goals through Oso and Djibril Sow.
“Many things are going well for us. Certain situations on the pitch need improvement, but overall, I’m satisfied,” commented Barcelona manager Hansi Flick after the match. “We gained three more points and played well, scoring five goals. However, I want to see more conviction at the beginning of games. We have many fixtures ahead, and I know it’s demanding for some players, but we need to play quicker. We have to stay focused for the next challenge against Newcastle, as they are a strong team.”
This win marked Barcelona’s 12th consecutive victory at the Nou Camp since returning in November, bringing their total goal tally during this span to 39.
The team managed this feat largely without Lamine Yamal, who remained on the bench until the 67th minute as Flick chose to rest the young prodigy.
Barcelona took an early lead when Cancelo was fouled in the penalty area by Sow just seven minutes in.
Raphinha converted the penalty with ease, executing a stylish Panenka.
He doubled the advantage with a second penalty at the 21-minute mark after causing havoc in the Sevilla defense again.
This time, he fooled José Ángel Carmona with a clever move, leading to handball as the defender slipped.
Raphinha opted for a powerful shot this time, sending the ball into the bottom corner.
Olmo, who previously tested Odisseas Vlachodimos with a long-range attempt, added the third goal in the 38th minute as Sevilla fell apart defensively.
Marc Bernal was sent clear down the left, and his low cross deflected just right for Olmo, who struck first-time from the edge of the area.
Sevilla managed to revive some hope in first-half stoppage time when Oso connected with a stunning Juanlu Sanchez cross to volley home.
After halftime, Barcelona regained control as Raphinha completed his hat trick at the 51-minute mark.
A driving run by Fermín López set up the chance, with Raphinha benefiting from a significant deflection off Nemanja Gudelj as his shot lifted into the net.
Cancelo added to the score with an impressive solo goal on the hour, claiming the ball at halfway, driving into the area, and maneuvering past Gudelj before shooting through Vlachodimos’ legs and off the post.
Robert Lewandowski missed two good chances to extend Barça’s lead, while Sow found the net again in stoppage time to provide a late consolation.
The match also marked the return of Gavi after nearly six months sidelined due to a knee injury. The Spain international came on in the 82nd minute.
“It’s fantastic, thanks to the medical team. This is a good step in the right direction. We’re unsure if he’ll play on Wednesday or next Sunday, but today was a great return with a clear result,” Flick stated. “His training has been impressive—excellent passing and technique. We saw that in one-on-one situations; he performed well. Everyone at Barça is thrilled to have him back.”
Gavi expressed his happiness, stating, “It’s been really tough, if I’m honest. It has been harder than my previous injury. The process was painful, and daily life was challenging. But the feeling of being back at Camp Nou today is unique. I’m overjoyed.”
“Flick has always been there for me, like a father. He has consistently supported me through both of my serious injuries. I am sincerely grateful for his unwavering confidence in me.”