Staff Reporter.
Raphinha’s first career hat-trick helped Barcelona remain perfect in LaLiga as they thumped Real Valladolid 7-0 at Camp Nou.
Barcelona will go to the international break on top of the standings on a perfect 12 points from four games, five ahead second-placed Villarreal and seven clear of bitter rivals Real Madrid in fourth, both with a game in hand.
The hosts opened a three-goal lead in the first half with strikes by Raphinha in the 20th minute, Robert Lewandowski in the 24th and Jules Kounde in added time.
Raphinha scored twice to extend Barca’s lead and assisted Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres to complete the drubbing.
“I have been working hard since I came back from the summer holidays. I knew that this season would be very important,” the former Leeds player said. “I tried to put myself in the best shape to help my team and deliver good performances.”
When Barcelona fired Xavi Hernández and brought in Flick, president Joan Laporta said his team needed a change.
So far, so good.
The German coach has found a slick attacking unit of Lewandowski, Raphinha and Spain trio Yamal, Olmo, and Pedri, that could give its fans reason to hope Barcelona will challenge defending champion Real Madrid despite the addition of Kylian Mbappé.