Sevilla Beats Barcelona 4-1; Lewandowski Misses Penalty, Yamal Injured

Barcelona suffered a demoralising 4-1 defeat to Sevilla in La Liga on Sunday, marking their second consecutive loss and ending an unbeaten run in the Spanish league. The absence of young star Lamine Yamal, sidelined for two to three weeks with a groin injury, and a missed penalty by Robert Lewandowski compounded the team’s woes. The result, coupled with a recent Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain, leaves Barcelona heading into the international break in a slump, trailing league leaders Real Madrid by two points after Madrid’s 3-1 win over Villarreal on Saturday.

Sevilla, ending a decade-long drought against Barcelona in La Liga, capitalised on early defensive errors in swelteringly unbearable 33-degree Celsius heat. Isaac Romero earned a penalty, converted by former Barcelona winger Alexis Sánchez in the 13th minute, and later scored in the 36th after Jules Koundé lost possession. Marcus Rashford, on loan at Barcelona, pulled one back just before halftime with his first La Liga goal, redirecting a Pedri cross. However, hopes of a comeback faded when Lewandowski’s 74th-minute penalty, earned by Alejandro Balde, sailed wide after Sevilla goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos anticipated the shot.

Sevilla sealed the victory late with José Ángel Carmona’s long-range strike in the 89th minute, followed by Akor Adams’ goal in stoppage time. “We play for an incredible club and supporters who are hurting after this defeat,” Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said, urging unity. “When we return from the break, we’ll fight for every title.” Sevilla’s win, their first over Barcelona in seven league encounters, lifts them to sixth place.

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The match exposed Barcelona’s vulnerabilities, particularly without Yamal’s flair and with defensive lapses under pressure. The sports card above details Sevilla’s dominance, with 39% possession but clinical finishing (4 goals from 5 shots on target) against Barcelona’s 61% possession and 8 shots on target. As Barcelona regroups, the focus will be on addressing injuries and regaining momentum for a competitive title race.

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