Hansi Flick\u2019s side moved six points clear of Jose Mourinho\u2019s Real Madrid, who visit Atletico Madrid in a derby clash on Sunday.<\/p>\n
The Spanish champions were given the biggest test of their season to date but overcame Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan thanks to Raphinha\u2019s treble.<\/p>\n
The Brazil international has started the season in sensational form, playing out of position as a central striker.<\/p>\n
La Liga\u2019s top goalscorer, Raphinha reached 12 goals in seven league appearances with a second consecutive hat-trick.<\/p>\n
Barcelona sporting director Deco said the former Leeds winger had agreed to extend his stay at the club until 2030 ahead of the game, and Raphinha celebrated in style.<\/p>\n
Flick handed Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic his debut in goal with Joan Garcia out injured.<\/p>\n
Hosts Sevilla, fifth, started strongly, making Barca uncomfortable, and took the lead through Youssouf Fofana in the 19th minute.<\/p>\n
Felix Correia escaped Eric Garcia and crossed for Fofana to nod home at the near post.<\/p>\n
Teenage star Lamine Yamal almost pulled Barca level but Sevilla goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos managed to push his curling effort against the post and out.<\/p>\n
It was no surprise when the Catalans did equalise that it was Raphinha who was the man to score.<\/p>\n
He cleverly shifted his body weight to escape a defender and slipped the ball home with a low finish.<\/p>\n
Yamal sent another shot over and after Sevilla fans whistled him, goaded them to keep doing so.<\/p>\n
Although the 19-year-old did not score himself, he did create Raphinha\u2019s next two goals.<\/p>\n
Early in the second half Yamal crossed and Raphinha headed home to put Barca in front.<\/p>\n
Arguably his best finish was yet to come, with Yamal sending Raphinha through, for the Brazilian to dink the ball over the goalkeeper.<\/p>\n
Barca missed several chances to extend their lead, with Anthony Gordon getting his feet wrong and a Dani Olmo free-kick beaten away.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless Barca claimed an eighth win from eight games across all competitions this season, as they continue setting the pace in the Spanish top flight.<\/p>\n
Elsewhere Celta Vigo thrashed Racing Santander 5-0, Athletic Bilbao and Alaves drew 0-0 and Osasuna were held 1-1 by Rayo Vallecano.<\/p>\n
AFP<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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