In a shock to the Spanish top‑flight, Sevilla thrashed defending champions FC Barcelona 4‑1 on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. The upset unfolded during the LaLiga Round 8 matchSeville, where a missed penalty by Robert Lewandowski proved to be the turning point.
Background to the Clash
Going into the eighth round, Barcelona sat just one point ahead of Real Madrid, with the league leaders hoping a win in Seville would cement their grip on first place. Sevilla FC, on the other hand, were hovering around mid‑table, desperate for points after a patchy start that left them with a record of four wins, one draw and three losses.
Both sides had a grudge match to look back on: historically, Barcelona have dominated the head‑to‑head with 31 wins, while Sevilla have managed only four triumphs. The recent fixture, however, promised something different, especially after Barcelona’s new signing, Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, suffered a hamstring strain during pre‑season.
Match Narrative and Key Moments
The opening salvo came in the 13th minute when Alexis Sánchez stepped up and coolly converted a penalty after a handball in the box. The Chilean veteran’s celebration set the tone, and Sevilla pressed forward.
Just before halftime, in the 37th minute, forward Isaac Romero sliced a low drive into the bottom corner, doubling Sevilla’s lead. Barcelona finally scraped a goal back in injury time of the first half when English winger Marcus Rashford latched onto a loose ball and slotted it home at 45+7.
The second half saw Barcelona push for an equaliser, but a crucial moment arrived in the 48th minute when Lewandowski saw his spot‑kick saved by Sevilla keeper Odisseas Vlachodimos. The Polish star’s frustration was palpable, and the miss seemed to deflate the visitors.
In the dying minutes, Sevilla sealed the win. Defender José Ángel Carmona rose highest at a corner to head in the 90th minute, and a few seconds later, forward Akor Adams tapped in from close range in stoppage time (90+6) to make it 4‑1.
Statistical Breakdown
- Possession: Barcelona 61% vs Sevilla 39%
- Total shots: Barcelona 17, Sevilla 13
- Big chances (xG ≥ 0.2): 5 each side
- Expected goals: Sevilla 2.80, Barcelona 2.25
- Red cards: Sevilla’s Peque (second‑half) was sent off after a two‑foot challenge.
Despite the dominance in possession and a higher shot count, Barcelona’s conversion rate was abysmal – only one goal from 17 attempts. Sevilla, meanwhile, made every chance count, highlighting a classic case of efficiency over volume.
Reactions and Expert Analysis
Sevilla’s manager, Joaquín Caparrós, praised his side’s “clinical edge” after the win. “We knew we could dominate the ball, but the real story was our willingness to finish,” he said in the post‑match interview.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández was more measured. “We created the moments, but we need to be ruthless. Lewandowski’s penalty was a huge ‘what‑if’ – we’ll learn from it,” he admitted.
Spanish football analyst Javier Tebas noted that the result “underscores how LaLiga is becoming less predictable. Teams that can blend possession with precision will thrive.”
Implications for the LaLiga Table
Sevilla’s victory catapulted them to 13 points, moving them to 9th place and narrowing the gap to the European‑qualification spots. For Barcelona, the loss meant they stayed on 19 points, now three points behind league leaders Real Madrid, and the pressure to bounce back in the next fixtures is mounting.
Looking ahead, Barcelona face a brutal away leg against Atletico Madrid next week, while Sevilla will host Valencia—a match that could see them keep the momentum rolling.
What the Fans Said
Sevilla supporters flooded social media with the hashtag #SevillaSupremo, celebrating the “night of the penalty miss.” Barcelona fans, meanwhile, expressed disbelief, with many calling the result “a wake‑up call.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Barcelona’s title chances?
The defeat drops Barcelona to second place, three points behind Real Madrid. With only seven games left before the winter break, they’ll need to win most of their remaining matches and hope Madrid slips up to stay in contention.
Did the red card for Peque change the outcome?
Losing Peque in the second half forced Sevilla to reshuffle their back line, but it didn’t hinder their push for late goals. The red card mattered more for Barcelona, who had to chase the game with a numerical disadvantage.
What was the reaction of the Sevilla coach to the penalty miss?
Joaquín Caparrós said the missed spot‑kick was a “silver‑lining moment” that highlighted Barcelona’s vulnerability and reinforced his belief in Sevilla’s defensive organization.
Who scored Sevilla’s most decisive goal?
While all four scorers mattered, José Ángel Carmona’s 90th‑minute header effectively sealed the win, crushing any Barcelona hopes of a late comeback.
When is the next match for Barcelona?
Barcelona travel to the Metropolitano on October 12, 2025, to face Atletico Madrid. The fixture is crucial for them to regain lost ground in the title race.
