Three takeaways from Barcelona 5-2 Sevilla | La Liga MD28

Barcelona took revenge against Sevilla for the heavy defeat that was inflicted on them earlier this season when they took to the field last night, and such was their dominance that the result was never in question.

The Catalans opened the scoring in the ninth minute from the penalty spot and doubled it similarly in the 22nd minute.

Dani Olmo then made it 3-0 in the team’s favour before half-time and Sevilla only found some compensation in added time.

The second half saw more of the same dominance from the Catalans as Raphinha completed his hat-trick and Joao Cancelo scored a stunning goal that was deserved, given how well he performed on the night.

With the win, Barcelona retains its place at the top of the league standings with a four-point gap over Real Madrid.

Barça Universal brings you three takeaways from Barcelona 5-2 Sevilla .

With three goals against Sevilla, Raphinha led the way for Barcelona in style and netted a special hat-trick at a crucial juncture in the season.

Raphinha scored a hat-trick. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The past few weeks have not been easy for the Barcelona captain as he has struggled in front of goal and been far from his usual self in attack.

While the work rate has never really been in question, there was always a feeling that he was lacking the decisiveness in the final third.

The hat-trick Raphinha scored last night may not be the prettiest one of his career, but it will go a long way in boosting his confidence at a critical point in the season.

Two of the captain’s goals on the night came from the penalty spot with flawless conversion and the third took a deflection to find its way past the goalkeeper.

Beyond the goal, he was at his usual best in terms of the work rate and putting his all on the field.

One will hope that the hat-trick adds steam to his campaign and brings back his best version in the coming games.

Apart from the game, the result, its implications on the leaderboard, and the dominant performance, one moment that captured the spotlight and deservedly so was the return of Gavi .

Gavi made his much-awaited return. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The La Masia graduate has not had it easy over the past two years, battling an ACL injury first and later undergoing surgery on his knee once more after an immediate setback post-recovery.

Last night, he made his long-awaited return to the field at the Spotify Camp Nou to a rousing ovation, marking a milestone in his recovery.

It was in the 82nd minute of the game against Sevilla that the assistant held up the substitution board on the sidelines, holding up the number six in green and signalling that the moment had finally arrived.

As Gavi made his way onto the field, he was greeted by applause not only from the stadium but also from his on-field teammates, and he replaced Raphinha for the final eight minutes of the game.

To make the moment more special, Ronald Araujo handed him the captain’s armband for the final stage of the game as well, signalling how important a piece he is to the team.

Gavi’s energy and exuberance have been missed for far too long, and one will hope that this marks the end of his difficult period.

Hansi Flick will ensure that the player is not rushed back, just as he did with Marc Bernal, but the fact that he is now back in the mix is massive news in itself.

Barcelona have the momentum on their side. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Barcelona’s 5-2 win over Sevilla last night marks the first time that the team have scored five goals since the win over Athletic Club early in January, and the boost could not have come at a better time.

The Catalans’ finishing has not been clinical for several weeks now, and with the business end of the season rapidly approaching, there has always been a need for that decisiveness to return.

Having taken a 1-1 draw away at St. James Park, Barcelona further need a win at the Spotify Camp Nou against Newcastle United midweek to progress to the quarterfinal of the competition.

With the goalscoring momentum on their side, Barcelona will now enter the game midweek with more confidence and better rested, given how Flick managed to hand key players, including Lamine Yamal and Pedri, some much-needed time off.