Barcelona re-established their dominance at the top of La Liga on Sunday, thrashing Sevilla 5-2 in a high-scoring affair at the partially rebuilt Camp Nou. Following Real Madrid's win on Saturday, Hansi Flick’s side responded with a clinical performance led by a Raphinha hat-trick and the long-awaited return of midfield star Gavi.
The victory keeps the reigning champions four points clear at the summit as the club enters a pivotal week, both on the pitch with a Champions League clash against Newcastle and off it with the ongoing presidential elections between Joan Laporta and Victor Font.
The Brazilian winger was the architect of Sevilla's downfall, capitalizing on a poor defensive display from the visitors. Two of his three goals came from the penalty spot, both earned by the rampaging Joao Cancelo.
9th minute: Raphinha opened the scoring with a cheeky Panenka-style penalty after Cancelo was clipped by Djibril Sow.
21st minute: He opted for pure power for his second, firing low and hard after a VAR review confirmed a handball by Jose Angel Carmona.
51st minute: He completed his hat-trick early in the second half, his shot taking a massive deflection off Nemanja Gudelj to loop over Odysseas Vlachodimos.
The biggest roar of the afternoon wasn't for a goal, but for the 82nd-minute introduction of Gavi. Marking his first appearance since a severe knee injury in August, the 21-year-old was greeted with a standing ovation.
It's been really tough, if I am being honest... The process has been painful. After all that, the sensation today back at Camp Nou is unique. I am so happy. Flick has always stuck with me, like a father
Gavi
Hansi Flick echoed the sentiment, praising the medical staff and Gavi's immediate impact in one-on-one situations during his ten-minute cameo.
With a massive Champions League second leg against Newcastle United looming on Wednesday (following a 1-1 first-leg draw), Flick took the opportunity to rotate his squad:
Xavi Espart: The 18-year-old was handed his first senior start at right-back.
Lamine Yamal: The teenage sensation was rested on the bench until the 67th minute.
Joao Cancelo: Played as an advanced full-back, earning two penalties and scoring a brilliant solo goal in the 60th minute after a run from the halfway line.
Home streak: This was Barcelona’s 12th consecutive win at the Camp Nou since returning in November, with 39 goals scored in that period.
North Stand reopening: About 56,000 fans attended as the North Stand received final clearance to open.
Oso’s milestone: Despite the loss, Sevilla’s Oso scored his first-ever senior goal with a composed cushioned volley.
Bernal’s vision: Young Marc Bernal provided a clinical assist for Dani Olmo’s 38th-minute strike.
While Sevilla managed late-half goals through Oso and Sow, they were comprehensively outplayed. Flick’s only criticism was a lack of "conviction" in the opening stages, but with five goals scored and a four-point lead restored, Barcelona heads into Wednesday’s Newcastle clash with maximum confidence.
