Sevilla Crush Title Holders Barca in Shock La Liga Victory

Barcelona, the reigning Spanish champions, suffered a stunning 4-1 defeat at Sevilla on Sunday in La Liga. Alexis Sanchez found the net against his former club, while Robert Lewandowski failed to convert a penalty for the away team.

Following their first loss of the season, Barcelona now occupy second place, trailing their fierce rivals Real Madrid by two points after the capital club's win against Villarreal on Saturday. Sevilla, meanwhile, have temporarily moved up to fourth in the standings.

Experienced Chilean forward Sanchez put Sevilla in front with an early penalty. Isaac Romero then extended the home side's advantage, having previously missed two clear opportunities.

Marcus Rashford reduced the deficit for Barcelona just before the break, yet Lewandowski sent his penalty wide, missing the visitors' best opportunity to level the score.

Jose Carmona and Akor Adams sealed the decisive victory for Sevilla in the closing minutes, as Hansi Flick's team endured an unexpectedly severe loss.

The Catalan side were still recovering from their midweek Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain, where they were defeated in stoppage time.

Barcelona appeared lethargic throughout the match. Despite Sevilla fielding a less formidable squad than during their prime years in the early 2000s, the home team's relentless energy proved sufficient to dismantle Flick's disjointed side.

The match turned when Ronald Araujo rashly brought down Romero inside the penalty area, with the striker diving to earn the spot kick.

Sanchez calmly slotted the penalty home, deceiving Wojciech Szczesny with a well-placed shot.

Romero squandered two golden opportunities, initially stopped by Szczesny and later firing off target following a precise cross from Lucien Agoume.

On his next attempt, the forward made no error, finishing neatly into the corner after Ruben Vargas's incisive pass left the Barcelona defence exposed.

Rashford broke Barcelona's inertia by testing Sevilla goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos with a sharp shot near the post.

The English forward brought his team back into contention during added time, volleying in Pedri Gonzalez's cross for his maiden La Liga goal.

At the break, Flick substituted Araujo and Gerard Martin with Eric Garcia and Alejandro Balde in an attempt to revitalise his underperforming squad.

Lewandowski penalty woe

Szczesny made a crucial leg save to deny Djibril Sow early in the second period as Sevilla maintained their attacking momentum.

Despite having secured only one league win at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan in 2025 prior to Barcelona's arrival, Sevilla's composure started to falter.

Substitute Adnan Januzaj brought down Balde inside the area, conceding a penalty that offered Barcelona a prime opportunity to equalise.

Experienced Polish forward Lewandowski hesitated during his approach and sent the spot kick wide of the goal.

Rookie Roony Bardghji had a chance to level but shot directly at the keeper following Lewandowski's clever flick, with Rashford poised to capitalise had the pass been made.

Sevilla secured the victory late on through full-back Carmona, who struck a low shot past Szczesny into the net, with Adams adding another goal.