Barcelona vs Sevilla: Barcelona continued their impressive unbeaten start to the season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Sevilla at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium on Friday evening. The victory propelled them to the top of the La Liga table for at least one night.
In a highly competitive first half, both teams displayed their strengths and mutual respect, engaging in a physical battle without an inch given. The referee allowed some physicality without calling unnecessary fouls, ensuring a free-flowing match.
Barcelona dominated possession and created several goal-scoring opportunities. João Félix came closest to breaking the deadlock when his shot hit the crossbar in a moment of unfortunate luck. Jules Kounde, facing his former club, narrowly missed scoring with a header from an Ilkay Gündogan corner. Meanwhile, Sevilla’s Ivan Rakitic and Dodi Lukébakio tested Marc-André ter Stegen with solid shots on target.
The second half saw Barcelona intensify their pressing and offensive efforts, forcing Sevilla to defend deeper and commit fouls. Rakitic nearly found the net with a header that hit the side netting. With 15 minutes remaining, Barcelona finally broke through with a Sergio Ramos own goal, thanks to a header by Lamine Yamal from a Ferran Torres cross.
Sevilla, in a bid to equalize, made attacking substitutions but were denied by Barcelona’s resolute defense, including a sensational sliding tackle by Kounde to thwart Jesús Navas’ attempt. Barcelona, holding a narrow lead, focused on ball possession to run down the clock. They had opportunities to score a second goal but couldn’t convert.
The final whistle secured the victory for Barcelona, who had to work hard to overcome a determined Sevilla side. The clean sheet was a significant achievement considering Barcelona’s recent defensive struggles, and the win was especially sweet, coming courtesy of a Sergio Ramos own goal.
Barcelona’s lineup featured Ter Stegen, Cancelo, Kounde, Christensen, Balde, Gündogan, Gavi, Yamal (substituted by Romeu at 82′), Raphinha (substituted by Fermín at 37′), Félix (substituted by Ferran at 71′), and Lewandowski.
Sevilla’s lineup included Nyland, Juanlu (substituted by Navas at 82′), Badé, Ramos, Pedrosa (substituted by Suso at 82′), Jordán, Sow (substituted by Fernando at 66′), Ocampos, Rakitic, Lamela (substituted by Mariano at 75′), and Lukébakio (substituted by Acuña at 75′).