Raphinha continued his outstanding start to the La Liga season by scoring twice in Barcelona’s 5-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Monday.
The Brazil forward has now contributed five goals and one assist in his three appearances in the Spanish top flight this campaign. That return places him at the top of the La Liga scoring standings, ahead of Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe, who has scored four times.
Raphinha’s latest goals came as Barcelona produced another emphatic attacking display. The result also maintained their perfect record at the beginning of the league season, with the Catalan club taking nine points from their opening three matches.
Barcelona have scored 12 goals and conceded only two during that run, leaving them top of the table on goal difference.
The 29-year-old has been used as a centre-forward by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, a change that has brought an immediate reward in front of goal. His two-goal performance against Rayo Vallecano further underlined his effectiveness in the central role and helped his side secure a seven-goal thriller.
Raphinha’s six direct goal contributions in three league matches represent a significant early influence on Barcelona’s campaign. His performances have also moved him ahead of Mbappe in the individual scoring race, although the season remains at an early stage.
Barcelona’s attacking output has been central to their position at the top of the standings. Their 12 goals are the most important feature of a start in which they have also limited opponents to two goals across three fixtures.
Against Rayo Vallecano, Raphinha supplied two of those goals as the reigning momentum of his form continued. The victory by a 5-2 scoreline gave Barcelona another three points and preserved their place at the summit.
For Flick, the decision to deploy Raphinha through the middle has so far proved highly productive. The Brazilian’s goals have made him the leading scorer in La Liga, while his assist means he has played a part in six of Barcelona’s goals in the competition.
The club’s next challenge will be to sustain that level over the rest of the campaign, but after three matches Barcelona have established the strongest possible league record. Raphinha, meanwhile, has emerged as the early individual standout, with one more goal than Mbappe and a growing influence on his team’s results.