FC Barcelona’s unbeaten start to the 2025/26 LaLiga campaign is over in the worst possible way. Hansi Flick’s side suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat against Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, surrendering the top spot to Real Madrid and leaving serious questions about the team’s structure and mentality.
After the exhausting Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain, Barça arrived in Seville depleted and mentally fragile. Key players such as Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Fermín López, Joan García, and Gavi were unavailable. Flick was forced to rotate, introducing Pau Cubarsí, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres, but the changes failed to stop the slide.
A controversial penalty gives Sevilla control
From the very beginning, the game turned against Barça. In the 11th minute, Ronald Araujo battled for a loose ball with Isaac Romero inside the box. It looked like a fair challenge, yet VAR called referee Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz to review the action. He decided to give a penalty for an alleged stamp by Araujo. Alexis Sánchez converted from the spot to put Sevilla ahead.
The decision completely unsettled Barcelona. Sevilla pressed high and prevented clean build-up play. In the 36th minute, after what seemed like a foul on Koundé was ignored, a quick attack ended with Romero scoring the second goal for the hosts. The Blaugrana were disorganized, frustrated, and outmatched.
Rashford’s lifeline before halftime
Just before the break, Marcus Rashford brought hope back with a superb left-footed strike after a perfect assist from Pedri. It was Rashford’s first LaLiga goal, confirming his growing importance in Flick’s system. The Englishman has become one of the team’s most reliable threats, contributing goals and assists in recent matches.
At halftime, Flick replaced Araujo, who had a muscle issue, and Gerard Martín with Eric García and Alejandro Balde. Despite the changes, Barça’s improvement was minimal and Sevilla continued to control the rhythm of the match.
Lewandowski’s missed penalty changes everything
In the 70th minute, Balde was fouled inside the box and Barcelona had the chance to equalize. Robert Lewandowski stepped up but missed the penalty, sending his shot wide to the right. The miss was a turning point that deflated the entire team.
Roony Bardghji and Christensen tried to create danger late in the match, but Sevilla punished Barcelona’s fatigue. José Carmona scored the third goal in the 90th minute, beating Szczęsny at the near post. In stoppage time, Akor Adams added a fourth, sealing a disastrous night for the visitors.
Flick faces his biggest challenge
This defeat is not only Barcelona’s first in LaLiga this season. It is also their worst under Hansi Flick, marking the second consecutive match in which the team has conceded four goals. The loss ends a 15-game unbeaten run away from home and exposes tactical and physical weaknesses that must be addressed quickly.
After the match, Flick admitted his frustration but remained positive, saying he appreciated the reaction of his players in the second half. However, fans are demanding more accountability and visible improvement in defensive organization and attacking sharpness.
The upcoming international break offers some relief. Several key players are expected to return, and Flick will have time to work on solutions before facing Girona and then Real Madrid in the first Clásico of the season.
A painful wake-up call
Barcelona have now lost two games in a row, conceding eight goals in the process. Flick’s aggressive pressing and high defensive line, so effective last season, are no longer surprising opponents. Rival teams have found ways to exploit the spaces behind the defense, while injuries and fatigue have reduced the team’s intensity.
With Real Madrid reclaiming first place with a two-point advantage, Barcelona must regroup and rediscover their best version fast. The pressure on Flick is growing, and the next few weeks will be decisive in keeping the team in the title race.
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