Raphinha Scores Hat Trick as Barcelona Thump Racing Santander 7-2

Barcelona achieved their first-ever 7-0 start to a season following a 7-2 victory where Raphinha netted three goals.

Barcelona defeated Racing Santander 7-2 on Wednesday to secure seven consecutive wins to start a season for the first time in club history. Raphinha led the scoring with a hat trick, including two successful penalty kicks, bringing his total to nine goals in the first six LaLiga matches. This scoring pace matches a 2017-18 record set by Lionel Messi. Hansi Flick’s side has now scored 28 goals in six league games, trailing only the 1940-41 Sevilla team for the most goals in that span.

João Cancelo opened the scoring with a 25-yard strike before a second long-range effort from the defender deflected off Asier Villalibre for an own goal. Gabriel Jesus scored as a substitute, marking goals in back-to-back appearances. Lamine Yamal added a late goal after previously having a strike disallowed for offside, missing a penalty, and hitting the post. The victory leaves Barcelona with a plus-22 goal differential, the second-best start in league history behind Real Madrid’s plus-24 in 1987-88.

Injury concerns emerged as starting goalkeeper Joan García was replaced at halftime due to a knee injury. His replacement, Wojciech Szczesny, committed an error leading to Racing’s second goal after being dispossessed in his own area. Flick stated he hopes García will recover in time for the next LaLiga fixture on Saturday.