The hosts took the lead in the 11th minute after a clumsy challenge from Ronald Araujo on Isaac Romero, referee Alejandro Muniz Ruiz initially failed to give the penalty, but pointed to spot after reviewing the challenge on the pitchside video, and Alexis Sanchez sent his former Arsenal team-mate Szczesny the wrong way to give Sevilla the lead.
The conditions in southern Spain were sweltering, hitting 33 degrees, and it was the hosts who were on fire, doubling their lead in the 37th minute, courtesy of a well-taken finish by Romero after Joules Kounde had been caught in possession. But Barcelona game themselves hope deep into time added on in the first-half, when Pedri picked out Rashford who timed his run to perfection and fired an unstoppable shot past Odysseas Vlachodimos.
And while Hansi Flick’s side were improved in the second half, Lewandowski fired his penalty wide in the 77th minute and the league champions conceded two further late goals to slump to a demoralising 4-1 defeat.
BALLGM rates Barcelona’s players from the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan in Seville…
The hosts took the lead in the 11th minute after a clumsy challenge from Ronald Araujo on Isaac Romero, referee Alejandro Muniz Ruiz initially failed to give the penalty, but pointed to spot after reviewing the challenge on the pitchside video, and Alexis Sanchez sent his former Arsenal team-mate Szczesny the wrong way to give Sevilla the lead.
The conditions in southern Spain were sweltering, hitting 33 degrees, and it was the hosts who were on fire, doubling their lead in the 37th minute, courtesy of a well-taken finish by Romero after Joules Kounde had been caught in possession. But Barcelona game themselves hope deep into time added on in the first-half, when Pedri picked out Rashford who timed his run to perfection and fired an unstoppable shot past Odysseas Vlachodimos.
And while Hansi Flick’s side were improved in the second half, Lewandowski fired his penalty wide in the 77th minute and the league champions conceded two further late goals to slump to a demoralising 4-1 defeat.
BALLGM rates Barcelona’s players from the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan in Seville…
Wojciech Szczesny (8/10):
Making his third appearance as he continues to cover for the injured Garcia and was well beaten by Alexis Sanchez’s penalty, but made stunning saves throughout the match. The margin of defeat would have been much wider if not for his heroics.
Jules Kounde (5/10):
Sanchez caused him massive problems and was at fault for the second goal after being caught in possession inside his own half. He tried, in vain, to claim he was fouled. Poor afternoon.
Ronald Araujo (5/10):
Was clearly at fault for the early penalty. A clumsy challenge, and the referee initially waved away the shout from the hosts, but it was given after pitchside video review. He was fuming, but a penalty was the right call. Substituted at half-time.
Pau Cubarsi (6/10):
Important to remember he’s still young and finding his way and deserves credit for hardly making a mistake all game.
Gerard Martin (4/10):
Was given a torrid time throughout the first-half as Barca were overrun on both wings and through the middle. Hooked at half-time, replaced by Alejandro Balde.
Frenkie de Jong (5/10):
Did his best to find pockets of space, but was well shepherded by the Sevilla midfield. Had one of those days where everything he tried failed to come off.
Pedri (6/10):
Stunning pass to set up Rashford late in the first-half and was a constant attacking threat whenever he got on the ball, but this was nowhere near often enough.
Dani Olmo (6/10):
Barely put a foot wrong, but was well below-par. Will consider his shift to have been solid but, like so many of the visitors, nothing worked for him on the day.
Marcus Rashford (8/10):
Squandered a wonderful opportunity in the 43rd minute, through on goal he fired it wide when he really should’ve scored. But made amends in time added on in the first-half, firing home a stunning volley. Remained a positive attacking presence for Barca all match, but couldn’t stop a dismal defeat.
Robert Lewandowski (4/10):
A diabolical afternoon, fired his penalty wide and his finishing was poor throughout. A dire day at the office, which he’ll be keen to forget in a hurry.
Ferran Torres (5/10):
Replaced in 69th minute by Roony Bardghj. Only managed one touch in the opposition box.
Alejandro Balde (6/10):
Brought on on the 52nd minute and his positive run into the box won a penalty for Barcelona after he was fouled by Adnan Januzaj.
Eric Garcia (5/10):
An uncomfortable afternoon for him, made little impact after being brought on.
Roony Bardghji (5/10):
Was brought on in the 68th minute and was a real live wire, but wasted a gilt-edged chance to equalise with just a few minutes to go.
Hansi Flick (5/10):
Will argue the huge number of injuries his side had to deal with was to blame for the defeat. But his team played without any real urgency and were out-played for large swathes of the match. Has plenty to ponder after that shocking performance.
