“Today’s game shows that there is no need for other players to come” - Raphinha after scoring his first-ever hat-trick in 7-0 Barcelona win
Raphinha delivered a standout performance as Barcelona thrashed Valladolid 7-0, maintaining their perfect start to the 2024-2025 La Liga season. The Brazilian winger netted his first-ever career hat-trick to inspire Blaugrana to a seven-star victory against Valladolid and move his side to the summit of the La Liga table.
After the match, Raphinha sent a resounding message about the strength and depth of the current Barcelona squad. From the first whistle, Barcelona dominated the match, showcasing the attacking flair and defensive solidity that have made them early title contenders.
In his post-match comments, the Brazilian expressed his joy at reaching this career milestone and conveyed his belief in the squad’s quality. He said:
"I'm very happy because it's the first hat-trick of my career. I'm very confident, and we are in very good shape. The result says a lot about the moment we are in. I feel good. I've been working hard since I came back from vacation."
"I knew it would be an important season for me. I'm very happy. Today's game shows that there is no need for other players to come. We are in good shape, and it shows on the pitch. We always respect our opponents and the way to show respect is to always go for the goal."
Raphinha was outstanding in Barca’s trashing of Valladolid. The Brazilian had 56 touches, registered six shots with five on target (1.82 xG), provided one assist, made three key passes, recorded 29/35 accurate passes (0.50 xA), completed 1/2 dribbles, and had a perfect score of 10 on Sofascore ratings.
Dani Olmo names Barcelona teammate Raphinha as the player who has surprised him the most
Barcelona’s latest summer signing, Dani Olmo, waxed lyrical about fellow teammate Raphinha’s footballing abilities. The Spaniard believed the Brazilian is a player he’d get along with despite not having played a lot of matches with him.
Olmo made his debut for Blaugrana on August 27, and he did put up an outstanding performance as he came from the bench to score Barca’s winning goal against Rayo Vallecano.
The former RB Leipzig man told Sport (via Barca News Network):
“Raphinha surprised me, as I didn’t know him that well. I had seen him play, but I hadn’t played with him. The quality he has… he’s a player I think I’ll get along well with, and I believe he gives everything for the team. He’s a team player, and from the little I’ve seen… he’s attentive to the younger players. We have a very healthy group.”
Dani Olmo also scored a goal in Barca's 7-0 win today against Valladolid.