Despite playing the final 30 minutes with 10 men, Barcelona secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Sevilla, bringing them within two points of LaLiga leaders Real Madrid.
Hansi Flick’s side claimed their ninth win in 11 games, capitalizing on the points dropped by the top two in the Madrid derby.
Barcelona wasted no time asserting dominance, taking the lead just seven minutes in. A well-executed corner routine saw Iñigo Martínez head the ball into Robert Lewandowski’s path, allowing the Polish striker to slot home.
However, their defensive frailties were exposed almost immediately, as Sevilla responded within a minute. Saúl’s incisive pass found Rubén Vargas, who finished clinically to level the score.
Both sides created chances throughout an open first half. Raphinha tested Sevilla’s keeper from distance, while Jules Koundé fired over from the edge of the box.
Sevilla came close before halftime through Dodi Lukebakio’s acrobatic effort, but Wojciech Szczęsny made a superb save to deny him.
Barcelona struck again within a minute of the restart, as Pedri’s lofted pass found Fermín López, who headed home to restore their lead. Sevilla momentarily thought they had equalized again, but Isaac Romero’s assist for Vargas was ruled out for offside.
The Blaugrana extended their advantage in the 55th minute when Raphinha, continuing his stellar form, fired a powerful strike from the edge of the box for his 24th goal of the season.
However, Barça’s momentum took a hit when López saw his yellow card upgraded to red following a VAR review for a late challenge on Djibril Sow.
Despite their numerical advantage, Sevilla failed to mount a comeback, and Barcelona sealed the victory with an Eric García header in the closing minutes.
The result moves them within a point of second-place Atlético Madrid and just two points behind Real Madrid in the title race.
