Key Takeaways:
- Barcelona extended their perfect start to the La Liga season, securing a sixth consecutive victory with a 7-2 triumph over Racing Santander
- Raphinha recorded a hat-trick as Barcelona scored at least five goals for the fifth time in all competitions this campaign
- Racing Santander remain without an away point since their promotion and have not won at Camp Nou since 1983
Barcelona Hit Seventh Heaven at Camp Nou
Barcelona continued their imperious form in LaLiga on Saturday evening, dismantling Racing Santander 7-2 to notch a sixth straight league win. Xavi’s side wasted little time asserting control, opening the scoring in the eighth minute through Joao Cancelo’s spectacular right-footed strike from distance that soared in off the underside of the bar after he was set up by Lamine Yamal.
The Catalans dominated early proceedings, with Raphinha forcing Julen Agirrezabala into a stop, Dani Olmo dragging an effort wide, and Karim Adeyemi narrowly missing after lifting his shot over the keeper. Their attacking intent was rewarded mid-way through the first half: Pedri released Raphinha on goal before the Brazilian was fouled by Pedro Felipe. Raphinha dusted himself off to confidently convert the resulting penalty.
THIS IS BARÇA. pic.twitter.com/ujNTxMzFTq
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 16, 2026
Racing Pull One Back Before Barcelona Surge Again
Racing, who had been among the league’s top attacking outfits outside the leading quartet, displayed their quality on the half-hour. Maguette Gueye seized on a loose ball, weaved between defenders, and finished clinically to halve the deficit. Nevertheless, Barcelona responded swiftly, restoring their two-goal cushion six minutes later when Cancelo struck again from outside the box, his drive taking a decisive deflection.
Continuing their relentless approach, the hosts produced a fluid passing move involving Rodri, Adeyemi, and Olmo, culminating in Raphinha’s second strike—the Brazilian’s eighth goal in as many league matches. The first half concluded with more drama, as Adeyemi was fouled by Pedro Felipe for a second penalty, but Lamine Yamal’s attempt was saved by Agirrezabala.
Second Half Onslaught and Raphinha’s Hat-trick
The tempo barely relented after the break. Lamine rattled the post soon after Juan Carlos Arana missed a major chance for Racing. Wojciech Szczesny, on for the injured Joan Garcia at half-time, was caught out when Yassir Zabiri chased him down, stealing possession and scoring his sixth of the season for Racing Santander.
Barcelona’s response was immediate, with Adeyemi winning the home side’s third penalty after being upended by Iker Luque Sierra. Raphinha made no mistake, completing his hat-trick by sending Agirrezabala the wrong way.
Lamine saw a goal disallowed for offside but made amends late on, providing a precise pass for Gabriel Jesus to net his first league goal in Barcelona colours eleven minutes from time. The evening’s scoring concluded when Adeyemi squared for Lamine, who finished confidently—ending a personal run of misfortune in front of goal.
Statistical Highlights and Historical Context
Barcelona’s tally of 21 goals after five league matches marks their highest start at this stage since 2011. The club have now registered nine consecutive head-to-head victories over Racing Santander, who have not emerged victorious at Camp Nou since 1983. Meanwhile, Racing remain in search of their first away point since returning to LaLiga.
