Raphinha hits hat-trick as scintillating Barcelona put seven past Valladolid

Barcelona sent a message to the rest of La Liga, beating Real Valladolid 7-0 at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys to continue their perfect start to the season.

Raphinha scored his first career hat-trick along the way, opening the scoring before netting the fourth and fifth goals in the second half. New manager Hansi Flick has changed Barcelona’s fortunes so far after they finished 10 points behind champions Real Madrid last season.

Robert Lewandowski bagged the second goal of the game just four minutes after Raphinha’s first in the 20th minute and Jules Kounde put the hosts three ahead in injury time of the first half, with a brilliant finish into the top corner.

Things got worse for visitors Valladolid in the second half, as Raphinha’s brace and goals from Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres added a further four to complete the rout.

The Brazilian has endured a mixed time at Barcelona, but this excellent performance will surely win the supporters over.

Lamine Yamal was once again instrumental for Barcelona, picking up a couple of assists, as he caused chaos in attack alongside Lewandowski and Raphinha.

The visitors beat Barcelona the last time the two sides met back in May, coming out 3-1 winners, but ere was no chance of history repeating itself.

The hosts are top of the table, as Valladolid remain in eighth ahead of the rest of the weekend’s fixtures.

Barcelona will travel to Girona in their next match after the upcoming international break, while Valladolid head to Celta Vigo.

After this performance, many will be wondering if Barcelona’s front three can become one of the most feared in Europe.

All three contributed to goals, with Raphinha bagging three, Lewandowski one and Yamal picking up a couple of assists.

Lewandowski now has four goals in four La Liga games and will have his eye on the golden boot this season, despite Kylian Mbappe’s arrival in Spain.

Raphinha was simply unplayable, scoring his first career hat-trick, with three brilliant strikes. He also provided an assist for Ferran Torres’ goal.

The trio have the perfect blend of pace, power and technique and combined with the youth of Yamal and the experience of both Raphinha and Lewandowski, not many teams in Europe will be able to live with them at their best.

The Brazilian got the scoring underway and scored a quickfire brace in the second half to score his first career hat-trick.

The former Leeds forward also set up the seventh goal in a scintillating display. Valladolid’s defenders were simply not able to live with Raphinha’s pace, skill and movement.

Barcelona: Ter Stegen 7, Kounde 9, Cubarsi 7, Martinez 7, Balde 8, Olmo 8, Casado 7, Pedri 8, Yamal 9, Lewandowski 10, Raphinha 10*. Subs: Torres 9, Torre n/a, Fermin n/a, Eric Garcia n/a, Sergi Dominguez n/a

Valladolid: M. Andre 5, Moro, 5, Amallah 4, Perez 3, I.Sanchez 6, Juric 5, Rosa 3, J.Sanchez 2, Cumart 3, Perez 3, Hein 2. Subs: Martin 3, Chuki 4, Meseguer n/a, Cenk n/a, Latasa n/a

20’ – GOAL! – Barcelona 1-0 Valladolid: (Raphinha). Raphinha openes the scoring for Barcelona with a great finish past Hein. The Brazilian forward made a great run in behind the defence, which was found by Cubarsi and the Brazilian managed to squeeze the ball into the far corner with a great finish.

24’ – GOAL! – Barcelona 2-0 Valladolid: (Robert Lewandowski). Lamine Yamal produces a brilliant, lofted pass over the Valladolid defence and Lewandowski made no mistake with the finish. Barcelona are well in control of this match now.

45+2’ – GOAL! – Barcelona 3-0 Valladolid: (Jules Kounde). Kounde puts Barcelona out of sight at the end of the first half, firing into the top corner from just inside the box. The defender produced a great finish to find the back of the net.

64’ – GOAL! – Barcelona 4-0 Valladolid: (Raphinha). Raphinha has a brace and Barcelona are four goals ahead. The Brazilian latched on to the ball after it bounced off both Lamine Yamal and Lewandowski in the box, before Raphinha fired into an empty net.

72’ – GOAL! – Barcelona 5-0 Valladolid: (Raphina). Wow, what a performance this is from Raphinha. The Brazilian has three goals and Barcelona have five, as Lamine Yamal plays Raphinha in, who slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.

82’ – GOAL! Barcelona 6-0 Valladolid: (Dani Olmo). Olmo scores an excellent goal as Barcelona make it six late on. The new signing slotted home from inside the box to score his second successive goal for Barcelona.

85’ – GOAL! Barcelona 7-0 Valladolid: (Ferran Torres). Ferran has made it seven goals for the hosts, sliding in Raphina’s cross, as Hein can only shake his head. Barcelona have been relentless here and fully deserve the scoreline.