Raphinha's Hat Trick Powers Barcelona's 7-0 Victory Over Valladolid

Brazilian forward Raphinha delivered an outstanding performance with a hat-trick and an assist, as Barcelona defeated Valladolid 7-0 under new coach Hansi Flick. Other key players like Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Jules Koundé, and Ferran Torres contributed to a dominant display that keeps Barcelona perfect this season.

Brazilian forward Raphinha delivered a scintillating performance, scoring a hat trick and setting up another goal as Barcelona routed Valladolid 7-0 on Saturday. The win keeps Barcelona perfect with four wins out of as many games under new coach Hansi Flick.

Joined by star players Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Jules Koundé, and Ferran Torres, the Spanish league leader easily overpowered newly promoted Valladolid. Lamine Yamal, a standout in Spain's European Championship title run, provided two assists from Lionel Messi's old position on the right flank.

Making the victory even more impressive, it was reported that Barcelona had an interest in signing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. However, Raphinha's commanding performance showed that the team is already in top form. His contributions helped secure a resounding win that includes a promising start to the season.

"I've been working hard since returning from summer holidays," Raphinha said. "I knew this season would be important, and I prepared myself to help my team."

The team built a 3-0 lead by halftime, and the final score could have been worse for the visitors. Olmo, playing his first game for Barcelona, hit the woodwork twice and had a goal disallowed for offside, while Lewandowski also struck the post.

Barcelona's new coach, Hansi Flick, has rejuvenated the team's attacking unit. The trio of Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Spanish internationals Yamal, Olmo, and Pedri offers fans hope that Barcelona can challenge defending champions Real Madrid, even with the addition of Kylian Mbappé.

Flick also tapped into Barcelona's wellspring of youthful talent, giving a debut to 19-year-old defender Sergi Domínguez in the second half. Raphinha opened the scoring in the 20th minute, expertly controlling a lobbed pass from 17-year-old Pau Cubarsí.

Lewandowski quickly doubled the lead from Yamal's cross. Koundé added a third in first-half injury time to cement Barcelona's dominance.

The second half saw more goals from Raphinha, who converted assists from Lewandowski and Yamal. Olmo then added his second goal in as many games, and substitute Torres finished the demolition by netting a low cross from Raphinha.

Barcelona leads the Spanish league with 12 points, while defending champion Real Madrid sits in fifth place with five points, having drawn two of its matches. Real Madrid will host Real Betis on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies.)