Photo: AFP
Barcelona suffered a humiliating 4–1 defeat to Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium on Sunday, despite a fine goal from Marcus Rashford. The loss, compounded by Robert Lewandowski’s missed penalty, leaves Hansi Flick’s side reeling as defensive errors and lack of urgency proved costly.
Sevilla took the lead in the 11th minute after Ronald Araújo fouled Isaac Romero in the box. Referee Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz awarded the penalty following a VAR review, and Alexis Sánchez coolly converted past Wojciech Szczęsny. The hosts doubled their advantage in the 37th minute when Romero capitalized on a mistake by Jules Kounde to slot home.
Barcelona briefly showed signs of life just before halftime, as Pedri’s pinpoint pass found Rashford, who fired a stunning volley past Odysseas Vlachodimos to make it 2–1.
The Catalans improved after the break but missed a golden chance to equalize when Lewandowski sent his penalty wide in the 77th minute. Sevilla then sealed the game with two late goals, handing Barcelona one of their heaviest defeats of the season.
Player Ratings (Barcelona)
Wojciech Szczęsny (9/10): Made several brilliant saves to keep the scoreline respectable. Without him, the defeat could have been even heavier.
Jules Kounde (6/10): Struggled throughout and was at fault for Sevilla’s second goal after being dispossessed in his own half.
Ronald Araújo (5/10): Conceded a reckless early penalty and was replaced at halftime.
Pau Cubarsí (6/10): Composed for his age and made few mistakes despite the chaos around him.
Gerard Martin (6/10): Overrun on the left flank and substituted at halftime for Alejandro Balde.
Midfield
Frenkie de Jong (6/10): Worked hard but found little space against a compact Sevilla midfield.
Pedri (6/10): Provided a superb assist for Rashford’s goal but lacked consistent influence.
Dani Olmo (6/10): Neat and tidy but largely ineffective going forward.
Attack
Marcus Rashford (8/10): Scored a sensational volley and remained Barcelona’s main attacking threat, though his efforts weren’t enough to rescue the team.
Robert Lewandowski (4/10): Endured a nightmare outing, missing a penalty and wasting several chances.
Ferran Torres (5/10): Anonymous in attack and replaced in the 69th minute.
Substitutes
Alejandro Balde (6/10): Won the penalty that Lewandowski missed after a lively run into the box.
Eric Garcia (5/10): Struggled to impose himself after coming on.
Roony Bardghji (5/10): Energetic but squandered a big chance late on.
Manager: Hansi Flick (5/10): Cited injuries as a factor, but his side lacked intensity and organization throughout. A dismal display that raises serious questions about his tactical approach.
Credit: Goal.com