RAPHINHA SCORES TWICE AS BARCELONA BEAT ASTON VILLA 3-0

Barcelona beat Aston Villa 3-0 in the Champions League at the Spotify Camp Nou, with Raphinha scoring twice to earn the UEFA Man of the Match award. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the seventh minute to put the hosts ahead early. Raphinha then doubled Barcelona's lead in the 52nd minute, converting after a pass from Fermín López. He completed his brace in the 64th minute with a close-range finish from a delivery by João Cancelo. The result ended Aston Villa's unbeaten start to this season's Champions League campaign.

Barcelona made a strong start to the contest and controlled much of the attacking play, while Aston Villa kept the deficit to a single goal until midway through the second half. Raphinha remained a persistent threat to Villa's defence throughout the match beyond his two goals. His performance continued a run of good form for the Brazilian forward this season. The win moves Barcelona closer to a place in the top eight of the Champions League league phase table.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has attacking options including Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Fermín López to call upon as the Champions League campaign continues. The victory represents a notable result for Barcelona against a Villa side that had taken a perfect record into the match. Aston Villa will look to respond in their next Champions League fixture following the defeat. Barcelona's three points strengthen their position in the league phase standings as the competition progresses.