Brazilian forward Raphinha delivered a stunning performance, netting a hat-trick and providing an assist as Barcelona dismantled Valladolid 7-0 on Saturday, extending their perfect start to the season under new coach Hansi Flick to four wins from four games.
This emphatic victory reinforced Barcelona’s early claim as one of Europe’s top sides, as they cruised to their latest LaLiga triumph.
The Catalan giants, led by Flick, dominated newly promoted Valladolid at home, with additional goals from Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Jules Koundé, and Ferran Torres.
The match showcased Barcelona’s superiority, as they peppered Valladolid’s goal with 23 shots compared to the visitors’ mere four. Every key player contributed, resulting in a dominant 90 minutes that thrilled the home fans.
Raphinha ignited the scoring spree with a toe-poke finish before doubling his tally by bundling home a loose ball in the box after the interval. He completed his hat-trick eight minutes later, latching onto a superb through ball from the promising Lamine Yamal.
This hat-trick marked a significant milestone for Raphinha, as it was the first of his career in all competitions across Europe’s top five leagues.
Notably, it was the second time he scored two or more goals for Barcelona, having previously achieved the feat in April 2024 against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. As a commentator aptly put it, Raphinha was “unleashed.”
In the midst of Raphinha’s brilliance, Lewandowski also left his mark, netting his fourth LaLiga goal of the season after cushioning down a ball over the top, again assisted by Yamal.
The Polish striker’s four goals in his first four games make him the first Barcelona player to achieve this since Lionel Messi in the 2018/19 season.
Raphinha’s first goal came in the 20th minute when he controlled a lobbed pass with his chest, delivered by 17-year-old defender Pau Cubarsí, who recently helped Spain win Olympic gold.
Shortly after, Lewandowski doubled the lead, heading home from a Yamal cross, bringing his season tally to four.
Jules Koundé added his name to the scoresheet, capitalizing on a loose ball in the box, while summer signing Dani Olmo continued his impressive form.
Olmo, given a starting role by Flick after his debut heroics, scored his second goal in as many games, skillfully evading three Valladolid defenders in the box before slotting the ball into the far corner.
Raphinha capped off his stellar night by assisting Barcelona’s seventh goal, setting up Ferran Torres, who smashed home a darting cross into the box.
Flick’s tactical acumen has quickly forged a potent attacking unit comprising Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Spain’s young talents Yamal, Olmo, and Pedri.
This new-look Barcelona squad gives fans hope that the team will mount a serious challenge against defending champions Real Madrid, despite their acquisition of Kylian Mbappé.
The match also highlighted Flick’s confidence in Barcelona’s youth system, as he handed a fourth debut to a La Masia academy graduate, with 19-year-old defender Sergi Domínguez making his first appearance in the second half.
Barcelona now sit at the top of LaLiga with a perfect 12 points, seven points clear of their arch-rivals Real Madrid, who currently occupy fifth place after drawing two of their first three matches.
Real Madrid will have a chance to close the gap when they host Real Betis on Sunday. Meanwhile, Valladolid finds themselves in 12th place.
