Barcelona’s Big Test in Seville
Barcelona return to La Liga action on Sunday afternoon with a tricky trip to Estadio Ramón, where Sevilla will be waiting to test the league leaders. After a tough Champions League defeat to PSG midweek, Hansi Flick’s side know they must respond quickly if they want to stay ahead of Real Madrid at the top.
Sevilla Rising After a Rocky Start
Last season was a nightmare for Sevilla — finishing 17th and barely avoiding relegation. But this year, things already feel different. Despite opening the campaign with two straight defeats, Matias Almeyda’s men have found their rhythm, winning three of their last five matches.
The latest? A gritty 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, sealed by Akor Adams in the closing stages. With 10 points collected, Sevilla sit ninth, only three behind the Champions League spots. Facing Barcelona is never easy, but confidence is growing in Andalusia.
Barcelona’s Need to React
Barcelona’s 2-1 loss to an injury-hit PSG was a blow, but domestically they’ve been almost flawless. Flick’s side have picked up 19 points from their first seven league games, beating Real Sociedad last weekend and dropping points just once this season.
History also smiles on Barça: they’ve beaten Sevilla in their last seven league meetings, including 5-1 and 4-1 thrashings last year. In fact, Sevilla haven’t beaten Barcelona in La Liga since 2015. The challenge for the home side is clear.
Team News at a Glance
Sevilla remain without Alfon Gonzalez and Tanguy Nianzou, while Joan Jordan and Adnan Januzaj are doubtful. Alexis Sánchez could line up against his old club, adding an extra twist to the clash.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are dealing with several injuries. Marc-André ter Stegen, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Joan Garcia, and Raphinha are all out. Lamine Yamal is also sidelined, which could hand Ferran Torres another start. Flick is likely to rotate, with Robert Lewandowski, Ronald Araujo, and Alejandro Balde all pushing for recalls.
Prediction
Sevilla’s form is improving, and playing at home gives them a chance. But Barcelona’s firepower and dominance in this fixture suggest they’ll edge it again.
👉 Prediction: Sevilla 1-2 Barcelona
