Review: Raphinha hat-trick keeps Barcelona 4 clear in La Liga

MADRID, March 15 — Raphinha delivered a virtuoso performance, scoring a hat-trick to power FC Barcelona to a 5-2 home victory over Sevilla on Sunday afternoon and preserve the Catalans’ four-point cushion atop La Liga ahead of Real Madrid.

With an eye on Wednesday’s Champions League round-of-16 second leg against Newcastle United, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick opted to rest teenage stars Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez. The rotation did not disrupt the hosts’ rhythm; instead, Barça seized command early through Raphinha’s brace of penalties, setting the tone before a packed Montjuïc crowd.

The Brazilian winger completed his treble later in the contest, capping a clinical display that underlined Barcelona’s attacking depth even without some of their headline names. Sevilla twice found the net but never threatened to close the gap as the Blaugrana surged to a commanding win that keeps the title destiny firmly in their hands.

Barcelona now turn their focus to European duty, yet Sunday’s statement victory ensures they will head into midweek competition with momentum and an unchanged advantage at the summit of Spanish football.