This Sunday at the Sánchez Pizjuán (16:15 CET), FC Barcelona will face a familiar rival: Alexis Sánchez, who is experiencing a true second youth at Sevilla. At 36 years old, and soon to turn 37, many thought his career was winding down toward a quiet return to Chile. But under the guidance of Matías Almeyda, Alexis has rediscovered his energy and form, transforming from a coach’s gamble into a real danger for Barça.
Last weekend in Vallecas, the Chilean enjoyed his first start for Sevilla, playing until the 93rd minute — a clear sign that he is regaining rhythm and fitness at the top level.
Almeyda: “Alexis Is Football”
Few managers have described a player with such passion as Almeyda did when speaking about Alexis:
“Alexis is football. He’s joy, he’s energy, he’s contagious. He’s not glued to the phone; he only talks about the game. I’m thankful he came.”
His professionalism has impressed Sevilla’s dressing room, where teammates praise his leadership and his special bond with younger players.
A Career Across Europe’s Elite
Sánchez’s journey is extraordinary. He has played in Spain (Barcelona, Sevilla), England (Arsenal, Manchester United), Italy (Inter, Udinese), and France (Marseille), in addition to River Plate in Argentina and Colo-Colo in Chile. Across all clubs, he boasts 745 official matches, 211 goals, and countless decisive moments.
At Sevilla, he already has one goal — a classic poacher’s finish against Alavés — and one assist against Elche.
Memories of His Barça Glory Days
Between 2011 and 2014, Alexis wore the Barcelona shirt 141 times, scoring 46 goals and providing 38 assists. His iconic lob against Real Madrid in October 2013 remains etched in Blaugrana memory: a brilliant double feint on Varane followed by a perfect chip over Diego López.
As the first Chilean in Barça history, Sánchez won six trophies with the club, including LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and the Club World Cup. Signed from Udinese for €26 million and later sold to Arsenal for €42.5 million, his chapter at Barça was both sporting and financially successful.
A Special Match Against His Former Club
Now, nearly a decade after leaving Camp Nou, Alexis faces Barça once again — already with four losses in previous encounters against his former team. Sevilla fans celebrate his rebirth, but the Catalan side knows that the “Niño Maravilla” remains a player who can change a match in an instant.
Despite his determination to help Sevilla, Alexis has never hidden his affection for Barça. When he signed for Sevilla, Joan Laporta even sent a congratulatory letter, a gesture the Chilean deeply appreciated.
On Sunday, nostalgia and rivalry will collide at the Sánchez Pizjuán: the resurgence of Alexis Sánchez against the club that shaped part of his legend.
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