FC Barcelona Triumphs in La Liga and Champions League Amid Presidential Elections

Raphinha scored a hat-trick as Barcelona defeated Sevilla to stay top of La Liga on March 15, 2026, a day that also saw the club's women's team beat Sevilla 5-1 in the first leg of the UEFA Women's Champions League quarterfinals and Barcelona members cast votes in club presidential elections. Manager Hansi Flick's men's side secured the three points to consolidate their position at the summit of the Spanish top flight. The result extended Barcelona's lead over their rivals and underlined the club's dominance in the domestic competition this season. Joao Cancelo also contributed to the men's victory, according to Portuguese outlet SAPO. The day represented a rare convergence of sporting success and institutional activity for the Catalan club.

FC Barcelona has historically been one of Spain's most successful clubs, competing at the top of La Liga across multiple decades. Joan Laporta served as club president between 2003 and 2010 before returning to the role in 2021, and is currently running for re-election. Hansi Flick, the German manager born on February 24, 1965, took charge of Barcelona and is widely regarded as one of the leading coaches in world football.

Raphinha demands more after clinical Sevilla display Raphinha's hat-trick was the centerpiece of Barcelona's win over Sevilla in the men's La Liga fixture. The Brazilian forward's performance drew praise from Spanish media, with outlets describing the display as a statement of intent. Flick set out his expectations for the squad after the match, while Raphinha spoke about his attachment to the club. „"Quiero mucho a este club"” (I love this club very much) — Raphinha via LaVanguardia The result kept Barcelona at the top of La Liga as the season entered its decisive phase.

Women's team routs Sevilla in Champions League opener Barcelona's women's side produced a commanding performance to defeat Sevilla 5-1 in the first leg of the Women's Champions League quarterfinal at home. Swiss international Coumba Sow pulled a goal back for Sevilla in the 70th minute, briefly reducing the deficit to 2-1. Sow, who was making her ninth appearance in the competition this season, acknowledged the scale of the challenge facing her side. „"À 2-1, il y avait peut-être une chance d'obtenir un résultat. On connaît la qualité de l'adversaire et à quel point c'est difficile de jouer ici."” (At 2-1, there was perhaps a chance to get a result. We know the quality of the opponent and how difficult it is to play here) — Coumba Sow via rts.ch The second leg is scheduled to take place the following Wednesday in Seville. 5-1 (goals) — Barcelona women's first-leg lead over Sevilla The result placed Barcelona in a strong position ahead of the return fixture in Andalusia.

Laporta celebrates with players at the polling site Barcelona club members voted in presidential elections on the same day as both matches, with players from the men's squad heading to the polling site after their La Liga fixture. Club president Joan Laporta, who is running for re-election, was seen celebrating enthusiastically alongside several players at the venue, according to La Vanguardia. Spanish media described the scenes as euphoric, with Laporta jumping and cheering alongside members of the squad. The overlap of election day with a high-profile victory added to the festive atmosphere around the club. On the men's side in Switzerland, Ruben Vargas scored the decisive goal in the 84th minute of a friendly match played behind closed doors as his new club Sevilla faced his former side Augsburg, giving the Andalusians a 1-0 win. The Swiss international had left Augsburg during the winter transfer window to join Sevilla, making the goal a notable moment in his return to his former club.

FC Barcelona, Sevilla FC

March 15, 2026 — Barcelona fixtures: FC Barcelona 1:0 Sevilla FC; FC Barcelona Femení 5:1 Sevilla FC (W)