Sevilla delivered a resounding statement of intent with a dominant 4-1 victory over Barcelona on Sunday, ending the Catalan giants’ unbeaten start to the season and igniting fresh optimism for their own European ambitions.

From the opening whistle, Sevilla pressed with vigor and purpose, repeatedly exposing Barcelona’s uncharacteristically fragile high defensive line. The hosts drew first blood in the 13th minute, as Alexis Sánchez—one of the afternoon’s standout performers—coolly converted a penalty after Isaac Romero was bundled over by Ronald Araújo in the box. The stadium erupted as Sánchez sent his shot low to the left, leaving Barça keeper with no chance, and the home support sensed an opportunity for an upset.

Sevilla’s intensity never waned. Their second goal arrived in the 36th minute after Jules Koundé was caught in possession high up the pitch. Sevilla broke with pace, Ruben Vargas streaking down the left before sliding a perfectly weighted ball across to Romero, who slotted home into the bottom corner for 2-0. The visitors, looking leggy after their midweek exertions, were on the ropes.

It was a vital stroke of fortune and finesse that brought Barcelona back into the contest just before halftime. Deep into stoppage time, Pedri found Marcus Rashford inside the area, and the English forward’s clinical first-time finish with his left foot halved the deficit at 2-1. The goal appeared to provide Barça with a lifeline and a potential foothold in the match as the teams headed to the break.

The second half, however, unravelled into frustration for Hansi Flick’s side. Despite spells of possession and a golden opportunity for parity—Robert Lewandowski missed a crucial penalty late on, dragging his shot wide of the left post—the comeback never materialized. Instead, Sevilla remained ruthless.

In a late flurry, José Ángel Carmona capitalized on a defensive lapse to restore the two-goal cushion in the 90th minute, latching onto Lucien Agoumé’s clever assist. The rout was complete deep into stoppage time, as Akor Adams finished off a swift move from Chidera Ejuke, sending the home crowd into raptures with Sevilla’s fourth.

The defeat leaves Barcelona two points adrift of Real Madrid at the top, with defensive concerns surfacing after their first loss of the campaign. For Sevilla, who languished in 17th just months ago, the emphatic win vaults them to fourth and sets the tone for a renewed quest for Continental football.

Key moments and reaction can be seen in extended highlights from reputable football channels, including ESPN FC and Premier Sports, whose match footage and analysis capture the full drama of the afternoon.