By Bootballer Desk • Football • Feb 10, 2025 00:13 AM • 189 views
Barcelona delivered a statement performance on Sunday, defeating Sevilla 4-1 at home and capitalizing on slip-ups by rivals Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid to tighten the race at the top of La Liga. With the win, the Blaugrana are now within striking distance of the league summit, as just two points separate the top three teams with 15 matches remaining in the season.
The Catalans came flying out of the gates, taking the lead inside 10 minutes for the second consecutive game. Íñigo Martínez rose highest to win a header in the box, nodding it down for Robert Lewandowski to pounce with a classic poacher's finish. The Polish striker's league-leading 19th goal of the season ignited the Camp Nou, but the joy was short-lived. Sevilla responded almost immediately, levelling the score less than 90 seconds later through a slick team move finished by Ruben Vargas.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with both sides creating chances but failing to find a breakthrough before the break. However, Barcelona suffered a blow in the 22nd minute when Ronald Araújo was forced off with an apparent injury, leaving the defence reshuffled.
The second half began with a bang for the hosts. Just 54 seconds after the restart, Pedri floated a sublime ball into the box, and substitute Fermín López, who had just entered the game, met it with a perfect first touch to restore Barcelona's lead. The momentum swung firmly in Barça's favour, and Raphinha extended the advantage in the 54th minute with a thunderous strike, capping off another standout performance in a stellar season for the Brazilian winger.
López, a livewire since coming on, was shown a red card in the 60th minute for a reckless challenge, reducing Barcelona to 10 men for the final half-hour. But despite the numerical disadvantage, Hansi Flick’s side remained composed and in control. They even added a fourth goal late in the game, as Eric García tapped in from close range to seal the victory and extend Barcelona's domestic winning streak.
The result keeps Barcelona's title hopes alive and sends a clear message to their rivals. With the top three now separated by two points, the race for La Liga glory is heating up, and the Blaugrana are firmly in the mix. Flick's men will look to carry this momentum into their next fixture as they continue their pursuit of silverware.
