Barcelona Crush Sevilla 4-1 to Keep La Liga Title Hopes Alive

Seville, Spain – Barcelona delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over Sevilla on Sunday, closing the gap on La Liga leaders Real Madrid and intensifying the title race despite finishing the match with 10 men.

Goals from Robert Lewandowski, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha, and Eric Garcia sealed a crucial win for Hansi Flick’s side, allowing them to move within two points of Real Madrid and just one behind Atletico Madrid after their 1-1 derby draw.

Dominant Display Despite Setback

Barcelona made an explosive start at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium, with Lamine Yamal testing Sevilla goalkeeper Orjan Nyland early on. Moments later, Raphinha’s cross set up Lewandowski, who converted from close range in the 7th minute to extend his lead as La Liga’s top scorer with 19 goals.

However, Sevilla responded immediately, as Ruben Vargas finished a cross from Saul Niguez in the 8th minute, capitalizing on Ronald Araujo’s defensive lapse.

Araujo’s difficult evening continued when he was forced off due to an injury, with Pau Cubarsi replacing him in the 22nd minute.

Lopez Scores and Sees Red

At halftime, Flick introduced Fermin Lopez for Gavi, and the young midfielder made an instant impact, heading home a perfect cross from Pedri to restore Barca’s lead.

Minutes later, Raphinha unleashed a stunning long-range strike in the 55th minute, making it 3-1. But Barca’s momentum was momentarily halted as Lopez received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Djibril Sow at the 60-minute mark.

Despite playing with 10 men, Wojciech Szczesny’s key saves and a composed defensive display ensured Sevilla struggled to create chances. Eric Garcia sealed the win in the dying moments, nodding home from Raphinha’s deflected cross.

Title Race Heats Up

Barcelona’s victory puts pressure on Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, with defender Inigo Martinez highlighting the importance of the win:

"Today we had to win to stay in the title race, and now we’re putting the pressure on. We played a brilliant match, and this is the way forward."

With Barca gaining momentum, the La Liga title race is set to be a thrilling battle in the coming weeks.