Brazil forward Raphinha scored a hat trick and assisted another goal as Barcelona defeated Valladolid 7-0, staying perfect with four wins out of four games under new coach Hansi Flick on Saturday.
The top team in the Spanish league easily beat newly promoted Valladolid at home, with Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Jules Koundé, and Ferran Torres also scoring.
Lamine Yamal, who played a key role in Spain’s European Championship win, set up two goals and was too much for Valladolid to handle from Lionel Messi’s old spot on the right side.
Raphinha, who had already been impressive this season with a couple of assists, scored his first career hat trick in the big win over Valladolid. This came after reports suggested the club was interested in signing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, another standout from Spain.
If Williams had joined, Raphinha might have lost his spot in the team.
“I have been working hard since I came back from the summer holidays. I knew that this season would be very important,” the former Leeds player said.
“The game today showed that we don’t need new players to come in. We are in good shape and working hard in practice and games. And this shows where we are right now.”
The score was 3-0 by halftime, and the final result could have been even worse for Valladolid. Olmo, making his first start for Barcelona, hit the woodwork twice, and Lewandowski also struck the post.
When Barcelona fired Xavi Hernández and brought in Flick, president Joan Laporta said his team needed a change.
