Stigating allegations of possible “unfair and improper inducement” as part of investigations where Jose Maria Bartomeu was the vice president. Barcelona labeled it an “unfair and inappropriate attack” on the club and claimed that Sevilla was denying them their right to legal defense.
On the pitch, Barcelona made a bright start in the 22nd minute when Joao Felix beat the goalkeeper with a powerful shot, marking a bright beginning as the ball stayed out after hitting the bar. On the other end, Gavi blocked Lucas Ocampos’s shot on the goal line in the second half
Barcelona suffered a setback in the 37th minute when Raphinha was forced into the second half, seasoned defender Sergio Ramos accidentally put the ball into his own net, giving Barcelona a 1-0 home win against Sevilla in La Liga on Friday.
Playing against his former arch-rivals Barcelona for the first time since 2020, Real Madrid’s former captain Ramos found himself in a helpless situation when he attempted to stop a cross from 16-year-old Lamine Yamal and, in the 76th minute, saw the ball cross the line above the net.
Ramos, who once famously held a young Yamal in his arms when he was a ball boy for the club, received a mixed reception from the home fans for his initial touch. However, after the 37-year-old inadvertently scored an own goal, cheers echoed through Barcelona’s temporary home ground, the Montjuic Olympic Stadium.
This result pushed Barcelona one point ahead of Girona, who currently stand in second place, while Sevilla sits in 12th place in La Liga.
Barcelona’s coach, Xavi Hernandez, commented in his post-match press conference, saying, ‘We are in a lot of pain. In my opinion, we played well. We launched a good attack and understood the game. We only lacked that one goal, but I’m happy with the performance. We really did well in that performance.
‘Sevilla showed good performance, but we created enough opportunities not to suffer so much.’
‘The important thing is that we created opportunities against a great team and felt comfortable. We were better on the sidelines. I am happy with the performance, but we need to be more effective in front of the goal.’
High Tensions Emerge Before Kickoff: ‘Neymar Case’ Shadows Barcelona vs. Sevilla Clash
Before kickoff, tension rose between both clubs due to Sevilla’s claim that there would be no representation in the VIP box of the stadium because of ongoing investigations into the ‘Neymar case.’ Barcelona’s Refereeing Committee is currently invited off due to injury, and Ferran Lopez came on in his place.
“We’ll see when he gets more tests,” said Xavi about Brazilian winger Raphinha. “Hopefully, it’s nothing serious. That’s why we rotate and make changes – despite criticism, especially when results don’t go our way – because it’s necessary.”
After a goalless first half, Barcelona made changes and looked more dangerous in some areas.
Robert Lewandowski was denied by a last-ditch tackle from Joaquin Sanchez when the striker was poised to score, and Gavi saw his header miss the target.
However, the complexion of the game changed after Ramos’ own goal, and although Sevilla had their opportunities, Barcelona managed to maintain a clean sheet and continue their unbeaten start to the season.
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