Sevilla 4-1 Barcelona: Lewandowski penalty miss caps title hopes

When Sevilla FC rolled out a 4‑1 victory over FC Barcelona at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on October 5, 2025, the LaLiga title race took a sharp turn. The shock came in the 73rd minute when Robert Lewandowski saw his penalty plunge wide, sealing Barcelona’s fate and handing Real Madrid a two‑point cushion at the summit.

Background: Title Race Tightens

Going into round eight of the 2025‑26 LaLiga season, Barcelona sat just one point behind Real Madrid, thanks to a string of wins that had them perched in second place. Their record against Sevilla had been almost untouchable – ten matches without defeat, nine of those wins. Fans expected another win, especially with the Catalans fielding a line‑up that, despite injuries, still featured a host of world‑class talent.

Sevilla, meanwhile, were fighting for European qualification and needed a statement win. Their manager, still fresh off a contract renewal, had promised an aggressive press and quick transitions – a plan that would soon catch the Blaugrana off guard.

Match Overview: Sevilla's Tactical Masterclass

Sevilla lined up in a 4‑3‑3, with Odysseas Vlachodimos protecting the goal and a back four of José Ángel Carmona, César Azpilicueta, Marcao and Gabriel Suazo. In midfield, Batista Mendy, Lucien Agoume and Djibril Sow provided the engine room, while the front three – Alexis Sánchez, Isaac Romero and Ruben Vargas – were tasked with stretching Barcelona’s high line.

From the first whistle, Sevilla pressed high, forcing Barcelona’s defense into hurried clearances. The pressure paid off in the 13th minute when Sánchez earned a foul inside the box and coolly slotted the resulting penalty. The early lead forced Barcelona to chase the game, a shift that Sevilla exploited with rapid counters.

Goals followed at the 20th (Marcao’s low drive from the edge of the area), 36th (Vargas’s right‑footed strike after a quick break) and a brace from Romero in the 50th and 61st minutes, each coming from well‑orchestrated moves that left the Catalans scrambling.

Key Moments and Missed Opportunities

The turning point arrived after Barcelona finally narrowed the deficit to 4‑1. Lewandowski, who had been quiet all night, won a penalty when a sliding challenge clipped his right foot. The entire stadium held its breath, but his shot veered just wide of the left post. The miss not only extinguished any glimmer of a comeback but also swung momentum squarely back to Sevilla.

Other moments that could have altered the script included a missed header by Ferran Torres in the 44th minute and a superb save by Odysseas Vlachodimos from a curling effort by Marcus Rashford.

The statistics painted a stark picture: Sevilla held 62% possession, generated 16 shots (nine on target) and boasted an xG of 2.84, while Barcelona managed just eight attempts, an xG of 0.94, and only one big chance – the missed penalty.

Reactions from Coaches and Players

Sevilla’s coach, in the post‑match press conference, praised his side’s discipline. “We stuck to the plan, pressured early and never gave them space,” he said. “The penalty miss was a bonus for us – it cemented our win.”

Barcelona’s manager, visibly frustrated, emphasized the need to regroup. “We’re disappointed, but football is a marathon, not a sprint,” he noted. “Lewandowski’s miss was painful, but we have to focus on the next match.”

Lewandowski, speaking to reporters, admitted the penalty weighed on him. “I could feel the whole stadium watching,” he said. “I’ll learn from this and be ready for the next opportunity.”

Meanwhile, Sánchez, the unlikely hero, turned his attention to his teammates, urging them to “keep the belief alive”.

Implications for Barcelona and the League

• Barcelona drop to third place, three points behind Real Madrid.
• The loss erodes confidence ahead of the upcoming Anfield derby against Liverpool in the Champions League.
• Sevilla surge to fifth, within striking distance of a Europa League spot.
• Statistically, Barcelona’s expected goals over the last three matches have fallen below 1.0, suggesting a worrying dip in attacking efficiency.

For the title race, the result means Real Madrid can afford a slip without jeopardising the lead. Barcelona will need to address defensive frailties – especially the high line that allowed Romero and Vargas to exploit space.

Looking Ahead: What's Next for Both Clubs

Barcelona travel to Camp Nou next week to host Atletico Madrid, a match that could be pivotal in regaining momentum. Coach Xavi will likely reshuffle the midfield, possibly re‑integrating Gavi once he recovers from his minor strain.

Sevilla, buoyed by the win, face a tough away fixture against Valencia. Their manager hinted at maintaining the same pressing intensity, trusting the squad’s depth despite the injuries to Tanguy Nianzou and Joan Jordán.

In the broader Spanish football landscape, this result reminds everyone that LaLiga is still wide open. With several clubs capable of pulling off upsets, the race to the title and European spots promises more drama.