Barcelona secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Sevilla on Sunday, closing the gap on La Liga’s top two teams despite playing the last 30 minutes with 10 men. The win keeps their title hopes alive as they take advantage of Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid the previous day.
The match at Sevilla’s Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium started with high energy. Teenage winger Lamine Yamal nearly put Barcelona ahead early, forcing Sevilla goalkeeper Orjan Nyland into an excellent save. However, the visitors quickly found the breakthrough.
After a short corner, Raphinha sent in a cross that Inigo Martinez headed across the goal, allowing Robert Lewandowski to tap in from close range in the seventh minute. The Polish striker’s goal took his league tally to 19, making him the division’s top scorer.
Sevilla responded almost immediately. Ronald Araujo misjudged his position, playing Saul Niguez onside. Saul delivered a low cross that Ruben Vargas turned in to level the score just a minute later.
Araujo’s night went from bad to worse when he suffered an injury following a foul by Saul. He was forced off in the 22nd minute, with Pau Cubarsi taking his place.
Despite Sevilla’s strong response, Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny made a crucial save to deny an acrobatic effort from Dodi Lukebakio, keeping the game tied at halftime.
Hansi Flick introduced Fermin Lopez after the break, and the midfielder made an instant impact. Just minutes into the second half, he headed in a precise cross from Pedri to restore Barcelona’s lead. Sevilla thought they had equalized again, but Vargas’ effort was ruled out for offside.
Barcelona extended their lead in the 55th minute when Raphinha unleashed a powerful strike from distance, giving Nyland no chance. However, the Catalans’ momentum took a hit when Lopez was sent off on the hour mark for a reckless challenge on Djibril Sow.
Despite being a man down, Barcelona remained in control. Szczesny made an important save from Suso’s low shot, but Sevilla struggled to create clear chances. The visitors sealed their dominant win in the closing minutes when Eric Garcia headed in a deflected cross from Raphinha, securing all three points.
