In a thrilling encounter at the Estadio Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona continued their dominance at home with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sevilla, courtesy of a Sergio Ramos own goal. The match unfolded amidst the backdrop of a concert by Spanish singer-songwriter Joaquin Sabina at the nearby Palau Sant Jordi, setting the stage for a memorable night of football.
Barcelona, determined to bounce back from a frustrating draw in their previous match, relied heavily on João Félix’s creativity. The hosts came close to scoring early when Félix’s powerful strike hit the crossbar after a sublime through ball from João Cancelo. Sevilla, however, posed a threat of their own, with former Barça midfielder Ivan Rakitić testing Marc-André ter Stegen with a ferocious shot.
The game remained finely balanced, with both teams creating chances. Raphinha’s injury forced him off the field, making way for Fermín López, who missed a golden opportunity before halftime. Barcelona’s attacking prowess continued in the second half, but Sevilla’s defense held firm.
The breakthrough came unexpectedly when Ramos inadvertently redirected the ball into his own net, giving Barcelona the lead. The goal held a poignant touch as a young Lamine Yamal, now instrumental in the play leading to the goal, had once walked out with Ramos during an El Clásico fixture years ago. This stroke of luck proved decisive, securing Barcelona’s victory and extending Sevilla’s winless streak against the Catalans to 16 league matches.
Barcelona’s triumph not only maintained their perfect record at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys but also propelled them to the top of La Liga. With this win, Barcelona continued their unbeaten run this season, having won seven out of their nine games across all competitions, showcasing their formidable form under Xavi’s management. Sevilla, on the other hand, saw their four-match unbeaten run come to an end, highlighting the relentless competitive nature of La Liga.
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