On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, FC Barcelona faced off against Sevilla FC in the 26th matchday of the Liga F at the Johan Cruyff stadium in Sant Joan Despi. The match began at 19:00 local time and featured a thrilling contest between two teams with differing fortunes in the league.
Barcelona, coming off a resounding 6-0 victory against Atlético de Madrid, aimed to maintain their lead in the standings. With 69 points from 25 matches, they were four points clear of Real Madrid. Sevilla, on the other hand, entered the match after a narrow 2-1 win over Madrid CFF, sitting in ninth place with 31 points.
The match kicked off with both teams eager to assert their dominance. Barcelona quickly established their attacking intent, with Ewa Pajor leading the charge. In the 34th minute, Pajor scored the first goal of the match, converting a rebound after Fridolina Rolfö's initial shot was saved by Sevilla's goalkeeper, Sullastres. This goal set the tone for the home side, who were looking to capitalize on their strong offense, having scored 102 goals in 25 matches prior to this game.
As the first half progressed, Barcelona continued to press forward. They doubled their lead in the 45th minute when Pajor struck again, making it 2-0. However, just before halftime, Sevilla managed to respond. Fatoumata Kanteh scored in the first minute of added time, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and giving the visitors a glimmer of hope as they headed into the break.
At halftime, the score stood at 2-1 in favor of Barcelona. The fourth official announced two minutes of added time, and the teams headed to the locker room with Barcelona looking to regroup and Sevilla aiming to build on their late goal.
The second half began with both teams making tactical adjustments. Barcelona made two substitutions, introducing Alexia Putellas and Salma Paralluelo in place of Patri Guijarro and Clàudia Pina, respectively. This move aimed to bolster their midfield and maintain control of the game.
As the second half unfolded, Barcelona maintained their lead but faced a spirited challenge from Sevilla. The visitors created several opportunities to level the score, with Kanteh and Padilla both looking dangerous on the break. Sevilla’s Lucía Corrales was particularly impressive, making crucial interceptions and preventing potential goals from Barcelona's attackers.
In the 48th minute, Vicky López had a chance to extend Barcelona's lead, but her shot was blocked, showcasing Sevilla's resilience. The match continued to be lively, with both teams exchanging chances but failing to find the back of the net.
As the clock ticked down, the tension mounted. Barcelona's defense held firm against Sevilla's advances, with goalkeeper Jana making key saves to preserve their advantage. The home crowd at the Johan Cruyff stadium rallied behind their team, chanting and cheering them on as they sought to secure the three points.
Barcelona's head coach, Pere Romeu, expressed confidence in his team's ability to maintain their lead. "We have a strong squad and the players are in great form," he stated before the match. His belief in the team's offensive capabilities was evident, as they consistently pressed the Sevilla defense throughout the game.
Sevilla's manager David Losada, however, remained optimistic despite the challenges his team faced. "We have shown that we can compete against top teams. We need to focus on our strengths and capitalize on any opportunities that arise," he remarked during the pre-match buildup.
As the match approached its conclusion, Barcelona continued to push for a third goal to solidify their lead. However, Sevilla's defense, bolstered by the efforts of their midfield, managed to repel several attempts. The match ended with Barcelona securing a 2-1 victory, a result that keeps them firmly at the top of the Liga F standings.
This win not only reinforces Barcelona's position as league leaders but also sets the stage for their upcoming Champions League semifinal against Chelsea, scheduled for April 20, 2025. With their current form and confidence, Barcelona is poised to make a strong showing in both domestic and European competitions.
Overall, the match showcased the strength of Barcelona's attacking prowess while also highlighting Sevilla's determination to compete against one of the top teams in the league. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this performance, with Barcelona aiming to extend their lead and Sevilla striving to climb higher in the standings.
