Raphinha Hat-Trick Propels Barcelona to Victory Over Sevilla

Barcelona reaffirmed their position at the summit of La Liga with a dominant 5-2 victory over Sevilla on Sunday, March 15, 2026, fueled by a sensational hat-trick from Raphinha. The win restores a four-point lead over Real Madrid, who had briefly closed the gap with a win on Saturday.

Match Highlights

Raphinha was the star of the show, converting two penalties and adding a deflected third goal to complete his hat-trick. Dani Olmo and João Cancelo likewise found the net for Barcelona, showcasing the team’s attacking prowess. Sevilla managed to score twice, but their efforts were insufficient to challenge Barcelona’s control of the match.

Key Moments

• 9th Minute: Raphinha opens the scoring with a calmly taken penalty after Djibril Sow fouled João Cancelo.
• 21st Minute: Raphinha doubles Barcelona’s lead with another penalty, awarded for a handball by Jose Angel Carmona.
• 38th Minute: Dani Olmo extends the lead with a powerful finish after a deflected pass.
• 51st Minute: Raphinha completes his hat-trick, with a shot deflecting off Nemanja Gudelj.
• 68th Minute: João Cancelo adds a fifth goal for Barcelona, combining effectively with Raphinha.

Gavi’s Return

Beyond the goals, the match was marked by the emotional return of Gavi, who made his first appearance since August after recovering from a knee injury. The young midfielder was given the captain’s armband during a 10-minute cameo, receiving a passionate reception from the Camp Nou crowd. The Guardian noted the significance of his return after a seven-month absence.

Player Ratings

According to FotMob ratings, João Cancelo led the Barcelona players with a score of 8.4, followed by Raphinha (9.7) and Dani Olmo (8.5). Joan García, Barcelona’s goalkeeper, received a rating of 7.1. Barca Blaugranes provided a detailed breakdown of player performances.

Statistical Overview

Barcelona dominated possession with 61% of the ball and registered 13 total shots, with 8 on target. They scored five goals from an expected goals (xG) of 3.36. Sevilla, with 39% possession, had 9 shots, 4 on target and an xG of 0.83. BeIN SPORTS highlighted Barcelona’s efficient finishing.

Looking Ahead

Barcelona now turns its attention to a crucial Champions League round of 16 second leg against Newcastle United on Wednesday, with the tie delicately poised at 1-1. The team will be looking to build on this dominant La Liga performance and secure a place in the quarter-finals. The victory over Sevilla serves as a clear statement of intent as they navigate a busy schedule in pursuit of both domestic and European glory.