Raphinha hat-trick powers Barcelona to best start in club history

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Following FC Barcelona‘s most decisive victory of the current campaign, star forward Raphinha stated that the squad remains focused on pushing forward and scoring goals.

The Catalan club defeated Racing Santander 7-2 in Spanish league action on Wednesday, extending their unbeaten record to seven consecutive victories across all competitions, the club’s best start to a season on record. The dominant display marked Barcelona’s fifth win of the campaign by five or more goals, with the team failing to reach at least four goals on just one occasion.

Following FC Barcelona’s most decisive victory of the current campaign, star forward Raphinha stated that the squad remains focused on pushing forward and scoring goals.

“The players have the hunger to always want more. It’s a mentality to always try to score more goals and to create more scoring opportunities.” Raphinha said.

Barcelona have scored an extraordinary 33 goals while conceding just seven overall, with Raphinha accounting for a third of the team’s total output. The Brazilian winger netted a hat-trick during Wednesday’s fixture to bring his season tally to 11 goals, nine of which have come in domestic play where he sits atop the scoring charts.

“It’s always important to keep in mind that you need to improve in some areas. I’ll never say I’m at my peak, because I always try to improve as much as I can. There’s surely something more I can contribute to the team than what I’m currently giving.” Raphinha said.

Lamine Yamal, Gabriel Jesus, and Joao Cancelo also got on the scoresheet for Barcelona, alongside an own-goal forced by the hosts.

Hansi Flick looking forward to the Sevilla encounter

The leaders will next travel to face Sevilla on Saturday. Manager Hansi Flick emphasised that the upcoming away match will not be easy.

“It’s always good to start well, but what matters is how you finish. It gives us confidence, and I like the momentum and the intensity. Everyone presses, everyone is involved. How we work as a team is crucial.” Flick said. 

Barcelona have been one of the most in-form teams in the world at the start of this season. The Spanish giants are top of La Liga and have won their only match in the UEFA Champions League so far.

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