FC Barcelona strengthened their grip on top spot in La Liga with an emphatic victory over struggling Sevilla FC, inspired by a brilliant hat-trick from Raphinha.
The Brazilian winger opened the scoring in the ninth minute at Spotify Camp Nou, calmly chipping home a penalty after João Cancelo had been brought down by Djibril Sow.
Raphinha doubled his tally just 12 minutes later from another spot-kick.
The penalty was awarded after a Video Assistant Referee review showed José Ángel Carmona had handled the ball while trying to block Cancelo, and the Barcelona forward confidently placed his shot into the bottom corner.
Dani Olmo appeared to have put the match beyond doubt when he finished neatly from 16 yards to extend Barcelona’s lead.
However, Sevilla briefly fought back before half-time when Oso scored his first senior goal with a composed volley to give the visitors a glimmer of hope.
Barcelona, managed by Hansi Flick, quickly regained full control after the break.
Raphinha completed his hat-trick six minutes into the second half when his strike took a heavy deflection off Nemanja Gudelj and looped into the top corner.
Cancelo then produced a superb solo run from the halfway line before firing home Barcelona’s fifth goal on the hour mark to cap a dominant display.
Sevilla managed a late consolation when Sow headed in from Oso’s cross just before the final whistle.
The victory keeps Barcelona four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table with 10 matches remaining, while Sevilla remain 14th, only five points above the relegation zone.
The night also marked a welcome return for Gavi, who came on in the 82nd minute to make his first appearance since August after recovering from a serious knee injury.
Young star Lamine Yamal also featured as a second-half substitute.
Barcelona will now turn their attention to the UEFA Champions League, where they face Newcastle United in the second leg of their last-16 tie.
The teams drew 1–1 in the first leg at St James' Park, with the return match set to take place in Barcelona on Wednesday.
