league,
Round 7
Seville
sword
Barcelona
roadblock
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place
- Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium
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Judgment
- Juan Martinez to Munuera
Youssef Fofana 19′
Rafael Dias Belloli 22′
Rafael Dias Belloli 52′
Rafael Dias Belloli 69′
Rafinha scored his second hat-trick in four days as Barcelona came from behind to beat Sevilla 3-1 and continue their impressive start to the season.
Youssef Fofana gave Sevilla the lead at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium before the Brazilian playmaker scored three unanswered goals as Hansi Flick’s side made it seven wins from seven in La Liga.
With this result, the Catalan team advances by six points over its rival Real Madrid, which will face Atletico in the city derby.
Seville
Barcelona
Hectic opening
Barcelona, brimming with confidence after beating Racing Santander 7-2 in midweek, went close to opening the scoring early, as Lamin Yamal’s shot made a superb save from Odyssias Vlachodimos’ shot past the home team.
Sevilla, who came into the game after their best league start since 2017, were also buoyed by their performances this season.
And it was they who broke the deadlock within 20 minutes thanks to Fofana after a decisive move that saw Felix Correa cross to the near post to catch the Frenchman’s header.
However, the lead only lasted two minutes after Raphinha continued his promising start to the season by scoring his 10th Premier League goal so far this season.
A flurry of goals brought the game to life, with Eric Garcia blazing a shot over the bar for Barcelona and Correa closing in on Sevilla.
But there were no further goals in an exciting half of football.
Rafinha completes the trilogy
After the break, Yamal was inches away from getting on the scoresheet, as his left-foot shot bounced off the wrong post.
The Barcelona star was once again at the heart of the action when the visitors took the lead minutes later. After working his way to create a little space in the area, Yamal sent in a brilliant cross which was gratefully received by Rafinha, who headed past the helpless Vlachodimos.
With just over 20 minutes left, the Brazilian completed his second hat-trick in four days when Yamal passed it wide before firing the ball over the keeper.
With the points winding down, Anthony Gordon had two chances in quick succession to open his Barcelona account, but in the end it didn’t matter.
The champions saw out the match to maintain their perfect start to the league season.
Spanish league table
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position 1, 2, 3, 4: Champions League stage
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position 5: European League stage
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position 6: Champions League qualifiers
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position 18, 19, 20: landing
