BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Brazilian forward Raphinha scored a hat trick and set up another as Barcelona beat Valladolid 7-0 to remain perfect with four wins in as many games under new coach Hansi Flick on Saturday.

The Spanish league leaders rolled over promoted Valladolid at home, with Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Jules Koundé and Ferran Torres also scoring.

It was 3-0 at half-time and the final score could have been worse for the unlucky visitor. Olmo, making his first start for Barcelona, ​​hit the woodwork twice and had a goal disallowed for offside, while Lewandowski also rattled the post.

Lamine Yamal, the star player in Spain’s battle for the European title, provided the impetus for two goals and was far too much for Valladolid from Lionel Messi’s old position on the right flank.

When Barcelona sacked Xavi Hernández and brought in Flick, president Joan Laporta said his team needed change.

So far so good.

The German coach has found a strong attacking unit, consisting of Lewandowski, Raphinha and the Spanish trio of Yamal, Olmo and Pedri, which could give fans reason to hope that Barcelona will challenge defending champions Real Madrid despite the arrival of Kylian Mbappé.

Flick continued to tap into Barcelona’s well of youthful talent, handing a fourth debut to the products of the club’s famed La Masia academy, this time to 19-year-old defender Sergi Domínguez, who came on as a second-half substitute.

Raphinha controlled a lob from 17-year-old defender Pau Cubarsí, who helped Spain to Olympic gold, with his chest to open the scoring in the 20th minute.

Lewandowski quickly doubled the lead from a cross from Yamal, giving the Polish striker four goals this season.

Koundé ensured in injury time of the first half that the result was no longer in doubt.

Raphinha scored from passes by Lewandowski and Yamal in the 64th and 72nd to make it a burst. Olmo, who also caught the eye for Spain at Euro 2024, then grabbed his second goal in as many games since arriving from Leipzig. Substitute Torres completed the demolition by firing in Raphinha’s low cross from the side.

Barcelona have 12 points to Madrid’s five. The defending champions are in fifth place after two draws in their first three games. They host Real Betis on Sunday.

___

AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer