Brazil winger Raphinha scored a hat-trick as Barcelona defeated Real Valladolid 7-0 on Saturday, making it four victories in a row in La Liga under new coach Hansi Flick. Barcelona is off to a great start despite its persistent financial difficulties, but bitter rivals Real Madrid have suffered since the highly anticipated signing of Kylian Mbappe. They are also without Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and Ronald Araujo, but they have a maximum of 12 points going into the international break, seven ahead of Madrid, who play Real Betis on Sunday.

Raphinha scored the goal for Barcelona at the Olympic Stadium in 20 minutes, after catching the ball on his chest he flicked it neatly into the far corner with the outside of his left foot. Robert Lewandowski immediately increased the advantage. Jules Kounde made it three minutes before halftime. Raphinha scored a straightforward tap-in from close range shortly after the hour mark, and on 72 minutes, he completed his trifecta.