Barcelona maintain perfect Liga start after Santander rout

Barcelona retained their perfect start to the Liga season and restored a three-point advantage over Real Madrid by overwhelming Racing Santander. Hansi Flick’s side extended its winning run to six matches, with their attacking strength again deciding the contest.

Joao Cancelo scored twice with powerful long-range efforts, while Raphinha completed a hat-trick that took his league total to nine goals. The Brazilian converted two penalties, including one after he was fouled in the area. Santander replied through Maguette Gueye and Yassir Zabiri, but Barcelona had established a 5-2 lead by the 67th minute. Gabriel Jesus later added another memorable finish with a curled shot into the corner.

Barcelona created chances from both flanks, with Lamine Yamal supplying openings and Karim Adeyemi repeatedly troubling the visiting defence. Yamal also struck the post and had a penalty saved by Kepa, leaving him without a goal despite his influence in the attack. His service helped create the opening for Gabriel Jesus.

The result keeps Barcelona at the summit after five wins from their first five matches before this fixture, while their early-season form continues to separate them from the chasing Real Madrid. Raphinha’s scoring run also gives Flick another decisive threat as the leaders maintain their domestic momentum.