Raphinha scored a hat-trick as FC Barcelona defeated Sevilla FC 5–2 to restore their four-point lead at the top of La Liga on Sunday.
After Real Madrid reduced the gap by beating Elche CF on Saturday, the Spanish champions responded with a convincing victory.
Dani Olmo and João Cancelo also scored for Barcelona, coached by Hansi Flick, who will host Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
Fans trooped to the stadium to vote in the club’s presidential elections, with either Joan Laporta or Víctor Font expected to be announced as the new president later on Sunday night.
Following the 1–1 draw in Newcastle in the Champions League last-16 first leg, Flick left Lamine Yamal on the bench and handed youngster Xavi Espart his first start at right-back.
Barcelona were awarded two penalties against Sevilla to make a perfect start at the partially rebuilt Camp Nou, which recently received clearance to reopen the north stand.
About 56,000 fans were present to watch the dominant display by the home side.
Djibril Sow fouled Cancelo inside the penalty area and Raphinha converted from the spot in the ninth minute to open the scoring.
The Brazilian winger doubled Barcelona’s lead with another penalty after José Ángel Carmona handled the ball while trying to stop Cancelo’s run. Raphinha fired the shot low to the left, beating goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos.
Barcelona scored their third goal in the 38th minute when Marc Bernal delivered a deflected cross that found Olmo, who finished clinically.
Sevilla pulled one back before halftime when Juanlu Sánchez broke past Cancelo and crossed for Oso to score unmarked at the back post.
Raphinha completed his hat-trick early in the second half with a heavily deflected effort.
Cancelo later added a fifth goal for Barcelona after driving into the penalty area and finishing through the legs of Vlachodimos.
Barcelona coach Flick introduced 21-year-old midfielder Gavi in the final 10 minutes, marking his first appearance since August after recovering from a serious knee injury.
Sow scored another goal for Sevilla in stoppage time, heading home a cross from Oso, although Barcelona were already turning their attention to Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Newcastle.
