Sergio Ramos’ own goal presents Barcelona defeats Sevilla
Barcelona rose to the top of LaLiga with a 1-0 home victory against Sevilla on Friday, thanks to an error by veteran defender Sergio Ramos in the second half.
Ramos, a former Real Madrid captain who was facing his old rivals Barcelona for the first time since 2020, was powerless in the 76th minute as he tried to stop a cross from 16-year-old Lamine Yamal and watched the ball sneak across the line.
Ramos, who once held little Yamal’s hand in the tunnel when the Barcelona striker was a club mascot, was welcomed with jeers from the home crowd as his first touches were met with jeers.
However, following the 37-year-old’s own goal, a huge cheer erupted at the Montjuic Olympic Stadium, Barcelona’s temporary home field.
Barca now leads Girona by one point with a game in hand, while Sevilla is in 12th place.
“We are in too much pain. “I think we played well,” Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez stated after the game. “We attacked effectively and understood what the game required.” We simply needed that goal, but I am pleased with how the game went. It was one of our most impressive performances.
“Sevilla did well, but we created enough chances to avoid suffering as much.”
“What matters is that we created chances and felt comfortable against a great team.” We were the superior team. I am pleased with our performance, but we must improve in front of goal.”
Tensions between the two teams rose before start when Sevilla announced that they would not have a presence in the stadium’s VIP box owing to the current ‘Negreira issue.’
Barcelona is being investigated for potential “active bribery” as part of a two-decade-long inquiry into suspected corruption at the referees committee, where Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira was vice-president.
Barcelona called it a “unjustified and inappropriate attack” on the club, claiming that Sevilla was denying them the right to a legal reply.
On the game, Barcelona got off to a fast start, with Joo Félix upsetting the keeper in the 22nd minute with a powerful drive that crashed into the underside of the bar and remained out, while Gavi made a goal line stop to keep Lucas Ocampos at bay.
Raphinha was taken off with an injury in the 37th minute, and Fermn López was brought in to replace him.
“We will see tomorrow when he has more tests,” Xavi stated of the Brazilian winger. “I’m hoping it’s nothing.” This is why, despite criticism, we rotate and make changes, particularly when outcomes do not go our way, since it is vital.”
After a scoreless first half, Barcelona changed gears and looked significantly more dangerous.
When Robert Lewandowski came through on goal, he was prevented by a last-man challenge by Juanlu Sanchez, while Gavi’s header nearly missed the target.
But the game turned when Ramos scored an own goal, and despite Sevilla’s opportunities, Barcelona managed to retain a clean sheet and continue their unblemished start to the season.
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