Barcelona will restore their four-point lead in the La Liga title race if they defeat Sevilla, and they are on course to do so after scoring early at the Spotify Camp Nou on the day of their presidential election.
Hansi Flick opted not to make too many changes to the side that started in Newcastle in midweek, although one of those saw Lamine Yamal drop to the bench. So far, Barcelona have not missed him, as they have struck the opening goal inside 10 minutes.
Joao Cancelo’s driving run into the penalty area was illegally stopped by Djibril Sow, and that allowed Raphinha to step up and score from 12 yards.
With Lamine Yamal on the bench, Raphinha was entrusted with the spot-kick, and he made no mistake with a lovely Panenka effort. The Brazilian has been goal-shy in recent weeks, as that is only his fourth in his last 12 appearances, but this will give him confidence to add to his tally before half time.
