Robert Lewandowski and Pablo Torre each scored twice as Barcelona routed Sevilla 5-1 on Sunday, keeping them three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga ahead of next weekend’s El Clasico.
Real Madrid had temporarily matched Barcelona’s points tally after their victory over Celta Vigo on Saturday, but Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, quickly restored their advantage with a commanding performance.
Lewandowski, in fine form, took his La Liga tally to 12 goals in 10 matches, netting twice—once from the penalty spot—either side of Pedri’s strike from outside the box. Substitute Pablo Torre added the fourth goal for Barca.
Sevilla’s Stanis Idumbo managed a late consolation goal, but it was a disappointing return for their manager, Francisco Garcia Pimienta, who previously spent nearly three decades at Barcelona in various roles. Torre capped the match with a free-kick that found the net after a deflection.
Despite facing crucial upcoming fixtures against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and a Clasico showdown with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, Flick opted for a strong lineup. Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, and Gavi were available on the bench, with Gavi making his first appearance in nearly a year after recovering from a knee operation.
Ansu Fati was included in the starting lineup after Eric Garcia experienced discomfort in the warm-up, shifting Raphinha to a central attacking role. Lamine Yamal, returning from a minor hamstring injury, had an early shot off target following an impressive run past two Sevilla defenders.
Barcelona opened the scoring after Raphinha was fouled by Sevilla’s Peque, a former Barcelona youth player, in the box. Lewandowski calmly converted the penalty, sending Sevilla goalkeeper Orjan Nyland the wrong way.
The Polish striker, who has found renewed form under Flick, now tops La Liga’s scoring charts with 12 goals in 10 matches. Pedri doubled Barca’s advantage with a well-placed shot from the edge of the area after being set up by Yamal.
Lewandowski added his second goal before halftime, flicking in Raphinha’s long-range shot. The match continued to go against Sevilla as winger Chidera Ejuke was forced off with an injury before the break.
Barcelona dominated the second half, with Raphinha finding the net only to be ruled offside. Yamal also tested Nyland with a spectacular outside-of-the-boot shot from distance. Meanwhile, Sevilla’s Dodi Lukebakio had a rare chance but was flagged offside.
Torre extended the lead to four with a deflected effort, and Gavi made his long-awaited return to the pitch, receiving a warm ovation from the home crowd. Despite Idumbo’s late goal for Sevilla, Torre sealed the victory with a fortunate free-kick that sneaked in at the far post.