When Sevilla FC delivered a 4‑1 win over Barcelona at the Ramón Sánchez‑Pizjuán Stadium on , the La Liga title race got a jolt it wasn’t expecting. The match, part of La Liga Matchday 8: Sevilla vs BarcelonaSevilla, was refereed by Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz in front of a roaring 41,040 fans.
Background: A Title Race Already Tight
Going into the weekend, FC Barcelona were perched just one point behind Real Madrid CF, boasting a flawless 6‑0‑1 record. Their unbeaten run had been a rallying cry for the Catalan side, especially after a strong start that saw them sit on 19 points. Meanwhile, Sevilla FC were hovering in the top‑four, sitting on 13 points after four wins, a draw and three losses. A win in Seville would not just be three points; it would be a psychological gun‑shot at the league leaders.
Match Overview and Key Moments
The opening half belonged to the home side. In the 13th minute, Alexis Sánchez – the Chilean veteran now listed as forward for Sevilla FC – coolly slotted a penalty after a clumsy challenge on a Barcelona defender. That set the tone, and the crowd could feel the shift.
Sevilla doubled the lead in the 37th minute when Isaac Romero surged into the box and finished from close range. The half‑time whistle blew with the score 2‑0, and the Catalans looked rattled.
Barcelona’s answer came late in the first half. English forward Marcus Rashford found the net in added time (45'+7'), sparking a brief roar from the traveling fans. Still, the goal was more a consolation than a lifeline.
The second half turned into a Sevilla clinic. In the 90th minute, defender José Ángel Carmona headed home after a corner, making it 3‑1. Six minutes later, Nigerian striker Akor Adams tapped in the final blow, sealing a 4‑1 rout.
Player Performances and Missed Opportunities
The night belonged to the Sevilla attackers. Sánchez’s composure from the spot was a reminder of his experience, while Romero’s movement earned him a well‑deserved goal. Carmona’s late header underlined his threat on set‑pieces, and Adams, who came off the bench, proved why the club signed him earlier this season.
For Barcelona, the biggest story was the missed penalty. Robert Lewandowski, the Polish striker who arrived on loan earlier in the season, saw his spot‑kick saved by Sevilla’s keeper Odisseas Vlachodimos. “I felt the pressure, and the keeper was brilliant. We’ll learn from this,” Lewandowski said in the post‑match interview.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández lamented his team’s lack of defensive discipline: “We gave them space inside the box and paid the price. The players will have to regroup quickly.” On the other side, Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli praised his side’s “relentless intensity”. “From the first whistle we wanted to dominate. The fans gave us the energy, and we delivered,” he said.
Reactions from Clubs and Fans
Social media erupted after the final whistle. Sevilla supporters flooded Twitter with #SevillaRises, while Barcelona fans expressed disbelief, many pointing to the missed penalty as the turning point.
In a press conference, Real Madrid’s sporting director Luis Gutiérrez noted, “Sevilla’s win gives us a two‑point cushion. It shows the league is open, and we must stay focused.” The statement underscores how a single upset can reverberate through the title chase.
Implications for the Title Race
- Sevilla FC jump to third place with 13 points, solidifying a European‑qualification push.
- FC Barcelona drop to second, now three points behind Real Madrid, and must recover quickly to stay in contention.
- Real Madrid’s lead widens to two points, giving them a psychological edge as the season moves into its decisive phase.
- The match highlighted Barcelona’s vulnerability on set‑pieces and penalties – areas opponents will now target.
Statistically, Sevilla’s possession was 54 %, while Barcelona managed 48 %, but the difference was in shots on target: Sevilla produced six, Barcelona only three. The home side also had a higher pass‑completion rate (84 % vs 77 %), suggesting a more cohesive performance.
Looking Ahead
Sevilla’s next fixture pits them against Atlético Madrid on October 12, a test that could cement their top‑four aspirations. Barcelona travels to Valencia to face Valencia CF on October 15, a game that will be crucial for rebuilding confidence.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid faces a tough away game at Villarreal on October 19. A win there would put them four points clear and put even more pressure on Xavi’s men.
Key Facts
- Date: October 5, 2025
- Venue: Ramón Sánchez‑Pizjuán Stadium, Seville
- Final Score: Sevilla FC 4 – 1 FC Barcelona
- Goal Scorers: Alexis Sánchez (13' PK), Isaac Romero (37'), José Ángel Carmona (90'), Akor Adams (90'+6') – for Sevilla; Marcus Rashford (45'+7') – for Barcelona
- Missed Penalty: Robert Lewandowski (68')
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Barcelona’s title chances?
The loss drops Barcelona to second place, three points behind Real Madrid. With only one point separating them from the league leaders, Barcelona must win their upcoming matches and hope Madrid drops points to stay in the hunt.
Who were the standout performers for Sevilla?
Alexis Sánchez’s penalty and the late contributions from José Ángel Carmona and Akor Adams were decisive. Midfielders Djibril Sow and Lucien Agoumé also helped control the tempo, while goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos kept a clean sheet.
What went wrong for Barcelona on the day?
Defensive lapses allowed Sevilla two early goals, and the midfield failed to break down Sevilla’s pressing. Lewandowski’s missed penalty added a psychological blow, and the team never recovered composure.
Will this upset influence Real Madrid’s strategy?
Real Madrid’s management sees the result as a warning that rivals can close the gap. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to maintain his current tactical approach but will likely study Sevilla’s high‑press to safeguard against similar surprises.
When is Barcelona’s next key match?
Barcelona travel to Valencia on October 15 to face Valencia CF. A win there would be essential to claw back points and restore confidence ahead of the upcoming derby against Espanyol.
