Raphinha (foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
Raphinha scored a hat-trick as Barcelona beat Sevilla 5-2, strengthening their lead at the top of La Liga and keeping pressure on rivals Real Madrid in the title race.
Raphinha delivered a brilliant hat-trick as Barcelona defeated Sevilla 5-2 and continued their strong push for the La Liga title.
The team led by Hansi Flick dominated the match in Barcelona, with Dani Olmo and João Cancelo also scoring as the Catalan side proved too strong for the visitors from Andalusia.
Raphinha led the attacking show with three goals, while Sevilla struggled to respond for most of the game. The visitors only managed to score in stoppage time of both halves. Óscar Oso scored late in the first half, and Djibril Sow added another goal in second-half stoppage time to set the final score at 5-2.
The victory keeps Barcelona firmly at the top of La Liga after 28 rounds. The Catalan club now holds a four-point lead over Real Madrid, who defeated Elche the previous day.
Attention now shifts to the Champions League. Barcelona will host Newcastle United in the second leg of their knockout tie. The first match at St James' Park ended in a draw, leaving the Spanish side in a strong position ahead of the return leg.
The league schedule also promises several important matches. Barcelona will face Rayo Vallecano and Atlético Madrid, followed by a heated Catalan derby against Girona. Girona recently impressed with a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, showing strong late-season form.
Later in the season, Camp Nou will host the biggest match in Spanish football when Barcelona face Real Madrid in the decisive El Clasico, scheduled for mid-May.
If the Catalan side maintains its current form, the club could celebrate its 28th La Liga title at the end of the season.