Flick backs Lamine Yamal return to top form

Raphinha and Lamine Yamal each netted twice as Barcelona secured a 4-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano, marking their third consecutive La Liga win. Brazil's Raphinha holds the record for scoring five goals in the first three games of a La Liga season since Lionel Messi achieved the feat for Barcelona in 2017. The young 19-year-old Lamine Yamal's brace for Barcelona now brings his tally of goals for the club past the 50-goal milestone.

Barcelona took control from the start as Rayo Vallecano initially led through a precise first-time effort from Sergio Camello. However, Raphinha equalized with some impressive footwork and skill, slotting the ball into the bottom corner. Lamine Yamal then extended Barcelona's lead with a powerful drive from just inside the penalty box. Florian Lejeune's mistake saw Anthony Gordon's cross find the bottom of his own net, putting Barcelona ahead 3-1.

Rayo Vallecano briefly regained the upper hand when Camello's header reduced the gap, but England forward Gordon's backheel misplaced the ball, allowing Raphinha to score his fourth goal of the match, making it 4-2. Lamine Yamal sealed the win in stoppage time with his 51st goal for Barcelona, a cushioned effort from 20 yards out. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid are tied on nine points from three games in La Liga, while Rayo Vallecano sits just one point behind.