Spanish champions Barcelona were handed a humiliating 4–1 defeat by Sevilla on Sunday in La Liga, as Alexis Sanchez scored against his former club and Robert Lewandowski squandered a crucial penalty. The loss marks Barcelona’s first defeat of the campaign, leaving them two points behind Real Madrid, who defeated Villarreal on Saturday.
The shock result at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium reignited Sevilla’s campaign, lifting them provisionally to fourth place and sending a warning to the league’s top contenders.
Sanchez Sparks Sevilla’s Charge
Veteran Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez, who once donned the Barcelona shirt, opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Ronald Araujo clumsily pulled down Isaac Romero in the box. The 36-year-old kept his composure, sending goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny the wrong way to give the hosts an early advantage.
Romero, who had earlier missed two clear chances, made amends minutes later when he latched onto Ruben Vargas’s low cross and swept home Sevilla’s second goal. The energy and directness of Sevilla’s attack tore through Hansi Flick’s sluggish side, who looked mentally drained following their midweek Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcelona’s Marcus Rashford gave the visitors a lifeline just before half-time, volleying home Pedri Gonzalez’s well-placed cross for his first La Liga goal. That strike briefly revived hopes of a comeback as the Catalans went into the break trailing 2–1.
However, Flick’s tactical adjustments at halftime, introducing Eric Garcia and Alejandro Balde for Araujo and Gerard Martin, failed to inspire the spark Barcelona desperately needed.
Lewandowski’s Penalty Miss Sinks Barca
Sevilla maintained their grip on the game after the restart, with Szczesny keeping Barcelona alive by denying Djibril Sow early in the second half. But when Adnan Januzaj tripped Balde inside the area, the champions were handed a golden chance to equalise.
Up stepped Robert Lewandowski, the man usually so reliable from the spot. The Polish striker hesitated twice during his run-up before dragging his effort wide of the post, an uncharacteristic miss that summed up Barcelona’s frustrating afternoon.
Moments later, Roony Bardghji missed another gilt-edged opportunity after being played through by Lewandowski’s flick, striking straight at goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos instead of squaring to Rashford, who was free.
Sevilla capitalised on Barcelona’s wastefulness, sealing the victory in style. Defender Jose Carmona drilled home the third goal with a low finish into the far corner, before substitute Akor Adams added a late fourth to complete the rout and send the home crowd into ecstasy.
Flick Faces Early Pressure
The result is a major setback for Hansi Flick, whose Barcelona side looked disjointed and lethargic throughout. Despite dominating possession, the Catalans lacked rhythm, precision, and defensive structure.
Sevilla, on the other hand, were compact, disciplined, and ruthless when it mattered. Manager Quique Sanchez Flores praised his team’s intensity and tactical discipline, describing the victory as “a reminder that courage and belief can beat any team.”
Barcelona now sit second, two points adrift of Real Madrid, and face growing questions about their form and mental resilience. For Sevilla, this was a statement win, one that not only boosts their standing in the table but also reignites belief that they can challenge for a top-four finish this season.
Discover more from RainSMediaRadio
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
