Raphinha treble fires Barca to win at Sevilla

SEVILLE, SEPT 20: Raphinha scored a superb hat-trick to earn Barcelona a 3-1 win at Sevilla on Saturday in La Liga and preserve their 100 percent record.

Hansi Flick's side moved six points clear of Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid, who visit Atletico Madrid in a derby clash on Sunday.

The Spanish champions were given the biggest test of their season to date but overcame Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan thanks to Raphinha's treble.

The Brazil international has started the season in sensational form, playing out of position as a central striker.

La Liga's top goalscorer, Raphinha reached 12 goals in seven league appearances with a second consecutive hat-trick, and scored twice more in the Champions League.

"We know the quality of Raphinha and we're very happy about him, he gives us a lot," Flick told reporters.

"Today the team gives him the last pass and he made it happen for us, so it's good.

"After these numbers in these eight games, he's very happy to play as a number nine."

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.

"He's very good and can adapt to any position up front. We give him the balls and he scores the goals," Barca midfielder Fermin Lopez told Movistar.

Flick handed Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic his debut in goal with Joan Garcia out injured.

Hosts Sevilla, fifth, started strongly, making Barca uncomfortable, and took the lead through Youssouf Fofana in the 19th minute.    �"AFP