Raphinha treble powers Barcelona's 7-0 rout of Valladolid

BARCELONA, Spain — Brazil forward Raphinha scored a hat-trick and set up another goal, as Barcelona routed Real Valladolid 7-0 on Saturday, maintaining its perfect start with four wins in as many games under new coach Hansi Flick.

The early leader of the Spanish league rolled over newly promoted Valladolid at home, with Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Jules Kounde and Ferran Torres also finding the net.

Lamine Yamal, who starred in Spain's European Championship title run, set up two goals and was way too much for Valladolid to handle from Lionel Messi's old spot on the right flank.

Raphinha had already started the season strongly with a pair of assists, before he powered the big win over Valladolid with his first career treble. A performance that came after the club was reported to have been interested in securing a blockbuster transfer for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, another Spain standout.

If Williams had arrived, Raphinha would have likely been the odd man out.

"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, both in practice and in games, and this shows where we are right now."

It was 3-0 by halftime, and the final score could have been even worse for the hapless visitor. Olmo, making his first start for Barcelona, hit the woodwork twice and Lewandowski also rattled the post.

When Barcelona fired Xavi Hernandez and brought in Flick, president Joan Laporta said his team needed a change.

So far, so good.

The German coach has found a slick attacking unit of Lewandowski, Raphinha and Spain trio Yamal, Olmo and Pedri, that could give its fans reason to hope Barcelona will challenge defending champion Real Madrid, despite the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.

Flick gave a fourth debut to the products of the club's famed La Masia academy. This time it was the turn of 19-year-old defender Sergi Dominguez, who went on in the second half.

Raphinha used his chest to control a lobbed pass by 17-year-old defender Pau Cubarsi, who helped Spain win an Olympic gold, and opened the scoring in the 20th minute.

Lewandowski quickly doubled the lead from a cross by Yamal, taking the Poland striker's tally to four goals so far in this campaign.

Kounde put the result beyond doubt in first-half injury time.

Raphinha scored from passes by Lewandowski and Yamal in the 64th and 72nd to make it a blowout. Olmo, who also stood out for Spain at Euro 2024, took his second goal in as many games since joining from Leipzig. Substitute Torres capped the demolition by side-footing in a low cross from Raphinha.

Barcelona has 12 points to Madrid's five. The titleholder is in fifth place after drawing two of its first three matches. It would host Real Betis on Sunday.

Super subs

Substitutes Angel Correa and Alexander Sorloth linked up in injury time to secure a 1-0 win for Atletico Madrid at Bilbao.

Correa snatched a late winner when Sorloth sprung a counterattack after stealing the ball from defender Inigo Lekue, setting up his strike partner on the gallop, who rounded the goalkeeper and scored.

Williams stays put

After Bilbao's loss, Williams spoke about his future and the interest from other clubs following his superb showing at the Euros in Germany.

"Other players would have taken up the chances I had," Williams said. "I showed that I am happy here. I have decided that I want to be here one more year and enjoy playing in (the Europa League with Bilbao)."

Agencies via Xinhua