Sevilla beat Barcelona 4-1, Lewandowski's penalty miss seals loss
Oct, 6 2025
When Sevilla FC hosted FC Barcelona at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium on October 5, 2025, nobody expected a 4‑1 demolition. The Andalusian side surged ahead early, and a missed spot‑kick by Robert Lewandowski in the 75th minute turned a possible comeback into a hopeless defeat. The result not only handed Barça their first La Liga loss of the campaign but also nudged Real Madrid two points clear at the summit.
Background: Why the clash mattered
Coming into matchday 8, Barcelona sat atop the table with 19 points, unbeaten in seven matches. Sevilla, meanwhile, hovered mid‑table with 13 points and a goal‑difference that hinted at vulnerability. Both clubs were under pressure: Barça’s new coach, Gennaro Gattuso, was still shaping a side that had just lost an iconic player, while Sevilla’s manager, Julen Lopetegui, was eager to prove his squad could challenge for the title.
Adding to the drama, the fixture was a classic north‑south showdown, traditionally a bellwether for the title race. A win for Sevilla would not only close the points gap with Real Madrid but also send a psychological shockwave through a Barcelona dressing room still adjusting to new signings like Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford.
Match details: How Sevilla built the lead
The opening salvo came in the 13th minute when Alexis Sánchez stepped up and coolly slotted a penalty after a handball on the edge of the box. The crowd roared, and the early goal forced Barcelona to chase the game.
- 13' – Alexis Sánchez (pen) scores for Sevilla.
- 37' – Isaac Romero doubles the lead with a low‑drive from the left flank.
- 45+7' – Marcus Rashford pulls one back for Barça, flashing his pace and finishing with a side‑footed finish.
Isaac Romero’s second‑half‑lead came from a clever overlap with the left‑back, catching the Barcelona defense off‑balance. By halftime, Sevilla led 2‑1 and the atmosphere turned electric.
The turning point: Lewandowski’s missed penalty
Midway through the second half, Barcelona thought they had a lifeline. Alejandro Balde surged forward, was hauled down in the box by Adnan Januzaj, and the referee pointed to the spot. All eyes turned to Lewandowski, who had arrived in Spain just weeks earlier for a €90 million transfer and was still hunting his first league goal.
He placed the ball, took a deep breath, and… the ball clanged off the cross‑bar. The miss stunned the Barcelona bench, and the ensuing scramble left Sevilla with a chance to restore a two‑goal cushion.
Sevilla’s late onslaught
Sevilla seized the momentum. In the 90th minute, José Ángel Carmona barreled in from a corner to make it 3‑1, and barely two minutes later, Akor Adams pounced on a loose ball inside the box to seal a 4‑1 victory. The final whistle sparked scenes of jubilation on the south stand and a hushed silence in the Barcelona camp.
Statistical snapshot
| Metric | Sevilla | Barcelona |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 58% | 42% |
| Shots (on target) | 18 (11) | 12 (5) |
| Pass accuracy | 84% | 78% |
| Fouls committed | 10 | 15 |
Reactions: Voices from the pitch and the stands
Post‑match, Sevilla’s captain, Jesús Navas, praised the team’s “clinical finishing” and said the penalty miss was “the break that opened the floodgates.”
Barcelona’s interim coach, Gennaro Gattuso, admitted the miss was “a dagger” and promised “a swift response in the next fixtures.”
Fans in Seville flooded social media with the hashtag #SevillaShock, while Barcelona supporters expressed disbelief, many calling for a tactical review.
Implications for the La Liga title race
Real Madrid’s 2‑point cushion over Barcelona now looks more comfortable, especially after their own 3‑0 win over Athletic Bilbao on the same night. Sevilla, with 13 points, leapfrogged Atlético Madrid into fourth place, keeping European qualification hopes alive.
Statistically, Barcelona’s expected goals (xG) dropped from 2.1 in the first half to 0.6 after the missed penalty, indicating a clear psychological shift.
Looking ahead: What comes next?
Barcelona travel to Valencia on October 12, where they’ll need a win to stay within striking distance of the league leaders. The coaching staff is expected to rotate the midfield, possibly giving more minutes to Pedri and Gavi to restore creativity.
Sevilla, meanwhile, host Valencia a week later, aiming to cement the momentum. If they maintain defensive solidity, the Andalusian side could be a dark horse for a European spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Barcelona’s title chances?
The loss drops Barcelona two points behind Real Madrid, turning a six‑point lead into a narrow gap. With seven matches left in the first half of the season, every slip now carries extra weight, and the team will need to win most of their remaining games to stay in contention.
Who benefited most from Sevilla’s performance?
Sevilla’s squad, especially the attacking trio of Sánchez, Romero, and the late‑game hero Akor Adams, saw a massive confidence boost. Their win also propelled them to fourth place, reviving hopes for a Europa League berth.
What was the significance of Lewandowski’s missed penalty?
The miss not only denied Barcelona a crucial equaliser but also shifted momentum decisively toward Sevilla. Psychologically, it amplified doubts within the Barcelona dressing room and forced the coach to rethink attacking strategies for the rest of the season.
Will Real Madrid’s lead be safe after this match?
Real Madrid’s two‑point advantage looks safer for now, especially after they also won on the same night. However, with a packed schedule ahead, any slip‑up could still see the lead erode; the race remains open but slightly tilted in Madrid’s favour.
What changes might Barcelona make after the defeat?
Coach Gattuso is likely to adjust the midfield shape, perhaps inserting more defensive cover and giving Pedri a freer role. The forward line may also see a rotation, with Rashford paired differently to relieve pressure on Lewandowski.