Barcelona showcased their dominance in LaLiga with a resounding 7-0 victory over Real Valladolid, fueled by a sensational performance from Raphinha. The Brazilian winger scored a hat-trick and added two assists, guiding his team to a perfect start to the season.
The match was a testament to Barcelona’s offensive prowess, evident from the outset. Within the first four minutes, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski combined for a two-goal lead, capitalizing on counter-attacks initiated by Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal. Jules Kounde extended the lead just before halftime, scoring from a rebound after a corner kick.
The second half saw Raphinha continue his masterclass. He added two more goals to his tally, showcasing his clinical finishing ability. Dani Olmo, making his first start for Barcelona, scored his first goal for the club in the 82nd minute, benefiting from an assist by Raphinha. Substitute Ferran Torres rounded out the scoring, receiving a final assist from the prolific Brazilian.
Barcelona now sits atop the LaLiga table with a perfect 12 points from four games, holding a five-point lead over second-placed Villarreal. The victory is a strong statement of intent from the Catalan giants under new manager Hansi Flick, as they look to reclaim the league title. Raphinha’s exceptional performance, leading the team in goals and assists, solidifies his importance to Barcelona’s success.