Barcelona continued their impressive start to the La Liga campaign with a resounding 5-1 victory over Sevilla on Sunday.
Two goals from the red-hot striker Robert Lewandowski, coupled with efforts from Pablo Torre and Pedri, had the Catalans buzzing.
Lineups
Barca made some initial lineup changes as Eric Garcia hobbled off the pitch with signs of discomfort. Ansu Fati was placed in the starting XI, while Raphinha moved into midfield.
Sevilla stuck to their usual lineup but struggled to cope with Barcelona’s relentless pressure and attacking prowess.
How the Match Unfolded
Barcelona started the game with high-octane passing and pressing football, although early mistakes allowed Sevilla’s counter-attacking tactics to pay dividends in the first 25 minutes.
However, Barcelona’s persistence was rewarded when winger Raphinha was fouled by Peque in the box, leading to a penalty. Lewandowski stepped up and calmly slotted the spot-kick into the net for Barca’s first goal.
Pedri doubled their lead with an outstanding long-range effort, marking his return to the squad with an audacious finish. By the half-hour mark, Barca was in cruise control.
Lewandowski could have added a third following a great pass from teenage wonderkid Lamine Yamal, but he missed. The striker did score just before halftime after Raphinha’s shot was deflected into the net by Lewy, who managed to stay onside.
The second half showed Barca maintaining the same intensity. Raphinha’s goal was disallowed for offside after another beautiful pass from Yamal, and Barca’s concentration began to lapse slightly. They escaped both a penalty and a goal, as offside calls denied Sevilla twice.
Pablo Torre added a fourth after coming off the bench, with his deflected effort finding the net. Sevilla managed a consolation goal through substitute Stanis Idumbo, who rushed forward to score.
Finally, Torre’s spectacular free-kick sealed the deal for the Catalans, extending their lead over Madrid on the night.
Analysis
Barcelona’s tactical superiority was evident throughout the match. Key factors included the seamless integration of Ansu Fati and the effective use of Raphinha in midfield. Lewandowski continued his scoring spree, while Pedri’s return added creativity and stability to the squad.
Sevilla struggled defensively, with their counter-attacks fizzling against Barca’s solid defensive work. The absence of a cohesive strategy to counter Barca’s high press was evident, and they will need to address these issues moving forward.
What’s Next
Now at the top of the table, Barcelona will face Real Madrid in the highly anticipated El Clasico on Sunday. Sevilla will look to bounce back as they take on Espanyol in their next fixture.
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