Sevilla Stuns Barcelona 4-1 at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Ending Run

When FC Barcelona walked onto the pitch at Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on Sunday, October 5, 2025, the expectation was a routine win to keep their unbeaten streak alive. Instead, they were dealt a 4‑1 drubbing by Sevilla FC, a result that handed Real Madrid a two‑point cushion at the top of the 2025‑26 LaLiga season. The loss not only snapped Barcelona’s perfect start but also exposed defensive frailties that could shape the rest of their title defence.

Background: A Title Race Already Heating Up

Barcelona entered matchday eight sitting on 21 points, level with Madrid but with a game in hand. Their run of five wins, including a 3‑0 triumph over Atletico Madrid, had revived memories of the club’s dominant early‑2000s era. Yet, the Catalan side had already hinted at inconsistency – a sluggish draw against Valencia and an injury‑ridden spell that saw midfielder Pedri miss a week of training.

Across the city, fans were buzzing about the return of Robert Lewandowski, who had struggled to find the net in his first LaLiga appearances. Critics warned that reliance on the Polish striker’s finishing could become a liability if the team’s build‑up play faltered.

Match Details: How Sevilla Dominated

From the first whistle, Sevilla imposed a high‑press that forced Barcelona into hurried passes. Isak Romero tested the Barcelona keeper twice in the opening ten minutes, barely missing both chances. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Romero seized on a loose ball, slotting it home after a scramble that left defenders scrambling – a classic "third‑time‑lucky" moment.

Sevilla’s second goal arrived just before halftime. Ruben Vargas burst down the right flank, delivering a low cross that Romero met with a powerful finish, making it 2‑0.

Barcelona finally got on the scoresheet in the 56th minute when Marcus Rashford, who had joined on loan earlier in the month, cut inside and unleashed a driven shot that curled past the Sevilla goalkeeper. The goal sparked a brief surge; Pedri threaded a perfect pass to Rashford, who calmly slotted home a second time in stoppage time, reducing the deficit to 2‑2.

But Sevilla’s response was swift. In the 78th minute, a quick one‑two between Vargas and Romero resulted in a third Sevilla strike, and five minutes later Romero completed his hat‑trick, sealing a 4‑1 victory.

Player Performances: Stars and Struggles

The night belonged to Romero, who not only scored a brace but also won several aerial duels, earning him Man of the Match honors. His movement reminded many of his 2023 breakthrough at Valencia, where he likewise thrived under a pressing system.

For Barcelona, Rashford’s brilliance was a silver lining. His first goal – described by commentators as a "stunner" – showcased why the English forward was signed: pace, composure, and an eye for goal. Yet his effort was largely isolated; the rest of the team looked disjointed.

Lewandowski’s penalty miss in the 68th minute will be replayed on highlight reels for weeks. After a clean run‑up, his shot clipped the right post, a moment that summed up Barcelona’s night: chances created but never converted.

Pedri, usually the engine of Barcelona’s possession game, managed only a few key passes and seemed frustrated by the relentless press. His late assist to Rashford was a glimpse of his usual class, but earlier in the match he was forced into long‑ball clearances, a stark contrast to his typical intricate play.

Tactical Analysis: Pressing vs. Possession

Sevilla’s game plan hinged on a 4‑3‑3 formation designed to close down spaces quickly. Coach Julen Lopetegui instructed his forwards to hug Barcelona’s back line, compelling the Catalans to play backwards rather than forward. This forced Barcelona’s midfield — anchored by Sergio Busquets — into a defensive shell, neutralising their usual quick‑transition style.

In contrast, Xavi Hernández’s side entered with a 4‑2‑3‑1, hoping to use the width of Ousmane Dembélé and Raphinha to stretch the defence. The plan collapsed early as Sevilla’s full‑backs overlapped, cutting off the supply lanes.

Defensively, Barcelona looked vulnerable on set‑pieces. Sevilla capitalised on two corners, each resulting in a headed effort. The Catalans have conceded five set‑piece goals in the first eight matches, a statistic that will likely drive Xavi to relearn defensive organisation.

Implications for the Title Race

• Real Madrid now sit two points ahead with a game in hand, tightening the race for the league crown.
• Barcelona’s goal difference swings from +12 to +8, a factor that could decide the title if points remain tight.
• Sevilla leapfrogs Atlético Madrid into fourth place, securing a Europa League spot for the next season.
• Lewandowski’s confidence may take a hit; his conversion rate drops to 33% after the miss.
• Defensive frailties — especially against high‑press systems — are now a focal concern for the coaching staff.

The loss also raises questions about squad depth. With several starters nursing minor injuries, Xavi may be forced to rotate more heavily in upcoming fixtures against Valencia and Real Sociedad.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Catalans?

Barcelona travel to Málaga next Sunday, where they’ll need a win to keep pace with Madrid. Analysts predict a more cautious approach, possibly a 3‑5‑2 to shore up the back line.

Meanwhile, Sevilla will host Valencia CF in a clash that could cement their top‑four ambitions. Their manager lauds the team’s mental toughness, calling the victory "a statement of intent".

For Xavi, the defeat is a stark reminder that even the biggest clubs can be caught off‑guard by a well‑executed press. In the press conference, he admitted: "We need to rediscover our identity, and that starts with fixing the basics – defending set‑pieces and handling pressure."

Historical Context: Barcelona’s Unbeaten Streaks

Barcelona’s last unbeaten run in LaLiga stretched to 13 games in the 2014‑15 season under Luis Enrique. The current 5‑match streak was the longest start to a campaign by any of the big three since the 2009‑10 season. Breaking that record early adds psychological pressure, a factor that has tripped up champions in the past – think of Atlético’s 2013 stumble after a perfect start.

Sevilla, on the other hand, have historically been the “giant‑killers” of Spanish football, famously ending Barcelona’s 18‑game winning streak in 2020 with a 2‑1 win at Camp Nou. The pattern seems to repeat, underscoring the unpredictable nature of LaLiga.