Spanish La Liga

Barcelona 5 – 2 Rayo Vallecano FT

Raphinha and Lamine Yamal both scored twice as Barcelona defeated Rayo Vallecano, marking their third consecutive victory in La Liga.

Raphinha became the first player since Lionel Messi in 2017 to score five goals in the initial three La Liga matches of a season.

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These three games have occurred within just eight days, as Barcelona has fit their schedule tightly following a late start due to their players’ involvement in the World Cup.

Rayo Vallecano initially took the lead with a well-executed first-time shot from Sergio Camello. However, Raphinha soon equalized with impressive footwork before driving a shot into the bottom corner.

Lamine Yamal then struck a powerful shot from just inside the box, giving Barcelona the advantage.

Florian Lejeune inadvertently turned a cross from former Newcastle player Anthony Gordon into his own net, extending Barcelona’s lead.

Though Camello’s header brought Rayo back into contention, Gordon’s backheel found Raphinha, who made it 4-2 for Barcelona.

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In injury time, Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal sealed the match with his cushioned effort from 20 yards, marking his 51st goal for Barcelona.

With this victory, Barcelona and Real Madrid remain the only teams with nine points while Rayo Vallecano is left with just one point.

Spanish La Liga

Barcelona 5 – 2 Rayo Vallecano FT

Raphinha and Lamine Yamal both scored twice as Barcelona beat Rayo Vallecano to make it three wins out of three in La Liga.

Brazil’s Raphinha is the first player to score five goals in the first three La Liga games of a season since Lionel Messi for Barcelona in 2017.

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Those games have all come in eight days with Barca cramming their fixtures in after starting late because of the amount of World Cup players in their squad.

Rayo actually led through Sergio Camello’s tidy first-time effort, but Raphinha levelled after some good footwork before slotting into the bottom corner.

Lamine Yamal then blasted a piledriver in from just inside the box to put Barca ahead.

Florian Lejeune then turned fellow former Newcastle player Anthony Gordon’s cross into his own net.

Camello’s header give Rayo hope again but England forward Gordon’s backheel found Raphinha to make it 4-2.

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Spain teenager Lamine Yamal added a fifth in injury time – his 51st goal for Barcelona – with a cushioned effort into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

Barca and Real Madrid are the only two teams on nine points, while Rayo Vallecano have just one point.