La Liga: Raphinha bags hat-trick as Barcelona thrash Real Valladolid 7-0 to extend lead

Barcelona maintained their perfect start to the La Liga season with a dominant 7-0 win over Real Valladolid at the Estadi Olímpic.

The win ensures that Hansi Flick’s side remains top of the league heading into the first international break, with a 100% record still intact.

The hosts started strongly and were relentless throughout the match.

Despite Dani Olmo being denied twice early on, one by an offside call and another by the woodwork.

Barcelona broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. Pau Cubarsi set up Raphinha, who coolly slotted home his first goal of the season.

Barcelona doubled their lead just four minutes later, with Robert Lewandowski finishing off a perfect assist from Lamine Yamal, marking his fourth goal of the campaign.

On the stroke of halftime, Jules Kounde surprised everyone by scoring Barcelona’s third, capitalizing on a loose ball from a Raphinha corner to fire past Valladolid’s helpless goalkeeper, Karl Hein.

After the break, Raphinha took center stage. He added two more goals in quick succession, completing his first hat-trick for Barcelona with a simple tap-in and another composed finish.

The Catalan giants weren’t done yet. Dani Olmo finally found the back of the net in the 83rd minute.

Just minutes later, Raphinha capped off a stellar performance by assisting Ferran Torres for Barcelona’s seventh goal of the night.

The emphatic win sees Barcelona extend their lead at the top of La Liga to five points.