When Sevilla FC turned the tide at Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on , the 4-1 triumph over FC Barcelona did more than just add three points – it snapped the Catalan giants' unbeaten start to the LaLiga 2025/26 season and handed Sevilla its first victory over them in over a decade. The early penalty, a red card that left Barcelona with ten men, and a brace from Isak Romero set the stage for a historic afternoon that will be talked about in Seville cafés for years to come.
Historical Context: A Decade‑Long Wait
Sevilla’s last win against Barcelona dates back to a 3-1 success in 2002, a match remembered for its tactical masterclass by then‑coach Joaquín Caparrós. Since then, the clubs have clashed over 30 times, with Barcelona emerging victorious in 22 of those encounters. The last season’s 2-0 loss at the Camp Nou had left Sevilla fans yearning for redemption, and the club’s board had promised a squad capable of challenging Spain’s traditional powerhouses.
Coach José Luis Mendilibar, appointed in the summer of 2024, pledged a more aggressive, high‑pressing style. His arrival coincided with the signing of Romero from Ajax, a move that sparked both optimism and skepticism among pundits. Meanwhile, Barcelona, under the guidance of Xavi Hernández, entered the 2025/26 campaign with a record‑breaking 12‑match unbeaten run, sitting atop the table with 28 points after eight games.
Match Details: How the Game Unfolded
The atmosphere was electric from the first whistle. In the 5th minute, Sevilla earned a contentious penalty after a Barcelona defender appeared to pull down Adrián Fernández in the box. Juan Pérez stepped up and slotted it low to the left corner, giving the home side an early 1‑0 lead.
Just eight minutes later, Barcelona’s mood soured. Mid‑fielder Jules Koundé received a second yellow for a reckless tackle on Sevilla’s right‑back Álvaro González, resulting in a red card that forced the Catalans to play a man down for the majority of the contest.
Sevilla capitalised on the numerical advantage in the 27th minute when Adrián Rodríguez flicked a cross into the box and Isak Romero headed it home to make it 2‑0. Romero’s third‑minute effort after the restart was thwarted by a fingertip save, but his persistence paid off in the 55th minute. After a quick turnover, he broke free on the left and fired a low drive into the bottom‑right corner, sealing a 3‑0 lead.
Barcelona managed a consolation through Ferran Torres in the 68th minute, converting a pass from Robert Lewandowski. However, the damage was done. In the 77th minute, Sevilla’s substitute James Adams latched onto a counter‑attack, chipping the keeper to make it 4‑1 – the final scoreline.
Statistically, Sevilla dominated possession (58% to 42%), produced 16 shots (9 on target) and completed 310 successful passes, while Barcelona managed 8 shots (2 on target) and 215 passes. The numbers reflected a game where the home side’s intensity and Barcelona’s numerical deficit dictated the flow.
Reactions from the Dugout and the Stands
“We stuck to the plan, we pressed high, and we took our chances,” said José Luis Mendilibar in the post‑match interview. “The red card hurt them, but our players kept their composure and executed.”
For Xavi, the loss was a bitter pill. “We didn’t adapt fast enough to being a man down, and we paid the price,” he admitted, adding that the team would need to regroup quickly ahead of the next fixtures against Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
Sevilla supporters erupted in celebration, waving red and white flags and chanting “¡Sevilla, Sevilla!” throughout the stadium. Long‑time fan María Ortega noted, “It’s been too long. Seeing Romero score twice feels like a dream finally materialising.”
Impact on LaLiga: Table Shake‑Up and Future Stakes
The defeat knocked Barcelona down to third place with 28 points, three points behind leaders Real Madrid, who had a 2‑0 win over Valencia earlier that week. Sevilla, meanwhile, vaulted to fourth with 25 points, narrowing the gap to the top three.
Analysts predict that the result could herald a tighter title race, especially as Barcelona’s confidence appears shaken. The loss also raises questions about Xavi’s tactical flexibility when reduced to ten men, a scenario that could recur given the physical nature of Spanish football.
Sevilla’s next challenge is a trip to Mestalla Stadium to face Valencia, where they will aim to consolidate their momentum. Barcelona, on the other hand, travel to face Real Sociedad, a match many see as a litmus test for their ability to bounce back.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Both Clubs
For Sevilla, the victory provides a morale boost and validates Mendilibar’s recruitment strategy. The club’s board has indicated that the win could accelerate discussions on extending Romero’s contract, given his impact.
Barcelona must reassess defensive discipline and perhaps rotate the squad to avoid fatigue‑related lapses. The loss also puts pressure on Xavi to justify his continued tenure, especially as the fans demand a swift return to the top of the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Sevilla’s win affect their chances of qualifying for the Champions League?
The three‑point gain moves Sevilla into fourth place, putting them within striking distance of the top three spots that guarantee Champions League entry. If they maintain this form, especially against mid‑table rivals, they could secure a berth before the season’s final stretch.
What were the key tactical changes that led to Barcelona’s downfall?
Barcelona struggled to adapt after the red card, leaving gaps on the flanks that Sevilla’s wingers exploited. Xavi’s high‑pressing approach became unsustainable, and the team failed to compact the midfield, allowing Sevilla to dominate possession and create more chances.
Who stood out for Sevilla besides Isak Romero?
Mid‑fielder Adrián Rodríguez provided the engine room, completing 85 passes with an 89% accuracy rate. Goalkeeper Joaquín Alcolea also made several crucial saves, preserving the clean sheet.
When is Barcelona’s next match and what’s at stake?
Barcelona face Real Sociedad on October 12, 2025, at the Anoeta Stadium. A win is essential to regain momentum and keep pace with Real Madrid, who lead the table by three points.
What does this result mean for Xavi’s future at Barcelona?
The loss adds pressure on Xavi, especially from sections of the fanbase calling for tactical flexibility. However, the club’s hierarchy publicly backed him, suggesting he has time to rectify the situation, provided the team rebounds quickly.
What a slap‑down for Barça, surprise of the season :)
The tactical dissection reveals a systemic failure in Xavi's high‑press framework, wherein the removal of a centre‑back disrupted the positional integrity of the pivot. The statistical deviation-particularly the 58% possession for Sevilla-exposes Barcelona's inability to retain the ball under duress. Moreover, the red‑card incident amplified spatial exploitation, allowing Sevilla's high‑press to capitalize on half‑space channels. One must note the inefficacy of the midfield transition phase, as evidenced by only eight shots, two on target. This, coupled with a sub‑optimal defensive line, culminated in a 4‑1 aggregate deficit. In fluid terms, the match functioned as a case study in press‑resistance collapse. The implications for future fixture planning are non‑trivial, demanding recalibration of tactical contingencies. Ultimately, Barcelona's unbeaten veneer has been irrevocably tarnished.