Raphinha scored a hat-trick as Barcelona beat Racing Santander 3-1 on Wednesday, maintaining a perfect start to their La Liga campaign.
The Brazil international broke through in the 28th minute after Barcelona had struggled to turn possession into clear chances. Racing responded after the interval, with Andres Martin equalizing from the penalty spot after a handball decision.
Barcelona restored their advantage when Raphinha converted a penalty in the 67th minute. He completed his hat-trick in stoppage time, securing all three points for the defending champions.
The victory made it four wins from four league matches for Barcelona and kept them at the top end of the early-season standings. Racing, newly promoted to the top flight, again showed they can make established opponents work for points despite leaving empty-handed.
Raphinha’s finishing was the difference on a night when Barcelona did not always find it easy to break down a disciplined Racing side. The forward’s three goals also provided a timely attacking boost as the club moves into a busier stretch of its schedule.
Source: Associated Press reporting, Sept. 16, 2026.
