FC Barcelona restored their three-point lead at the top of LALIGA with a 5-1 thrashing of Sevilla on Sunday night.
LALIGA
Result: Barcelona 5-1 Sevilla
Date: 20 October 2024
Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
Blaugrana coach Hansi Flick made two changes from the win over Alaves as Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia replace Fort and Ferran Torres while Lamine Yamal has recovered in time to start.
The visitors dominated possession in the early stages, but the first big chance fell to Sevilla after ten minutes after Dodi Lukebakio surged towards the box before firing just wide.
Barcelona were then awarded a penalty after 24 minutes after Raphinha was brought down in the box, which allowed Robert Lewandowski to step up and convert to hand his side the lead.
The lead was doubled four minutes later as Yamal turned provider to pick out Pedri, who sent a first-time strike into the back of the net from the edge of the box, leaving the home fans silent.
There was enough time for the visitors to bag a third goal before the halftime break, with Lewandowski completing his brace by turning home Raphinha's shot in the box.
While Sevilla struggled to carve out chances, Barcelona continued to dominate in the second period as Yamal and Raphinha both had efforts from distance go close, while the latter had a goal disallowed for offside.
That proved to be Raphinha's final involvement, as the Brazilian and Lewandowski were hauled off with 20 minutes to play with one eye on the UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
The visitors rounded off the scoring in the 82nd minute when substitute Pablo Torre, who got on the end of Kounde's cross with a first-time finish that took a deflection and wrong-footed the goalkeeper.
Stanis Idumbo did pull one back for Sevilla five minutes later but Torre wrapped up proceedings with his second goal on the night, as the Catalan giants move three points clear of Real Madrid ahead of next weekend's El Clasico.
