Sevilla 1-2 Barcelona: Lewandowski and Fermin Lopez Shine as Xavi Bows Out – La Liga Sevilla 1-2 Barcelona: Lewandowski and Fermin Lopez Shine as Xavi Bows Out – La Liga
Sevilla 1-2 Barcelona: Lewandowski and Fermin Lopez Shine as Xavi Bows Out – La Liga

May 27, 2024

Sevilla 1-2 Barcelona: Lewandowski and Fermin Lopez Shine as Xavi Bows Out – La Liga

Xavi’s tenure as Barcelona manager concluded with a 2-1 victory over Sevilla in La Liga. Robert Lewandowski and Fermin Lopez scored for the visitors, while Youssef En-Nesyri netted for the hosts. Fermin’s impressive second-half goal secured the win, allowing Barcelona to finish the season 10 points behind Real Madrid.

The match was lively, with both teams creating multiple chances. After En-Nesyri equalized Lewandowski’s close-range volley, Barcelona struck the woodwork twice through Pedri and Joao Cancelo. At the same time, Sevilla also threatened with a header from Dodi Lukebakio.

Barcelona dominated the second half, and only outstanding saves from Orjan Nyland kept the scoreline from expanding before Fermin sealed the game with a powerful 20-yard shot. The result left Barcelona in second place, while Sevilla ended the season in a disappointing 14th position.

Talking Point: Xavi’s Legacy on Display

The standout performances of Pedri and Fermin Lopez highlight the potential for Barcelona’s next era of success, regardless of who leads the team. Their combination play, with Pedri frequently finding Fermin’s runs, could also benefit Spain’s manager, Luis de la Fuente, this summer at the Euros.

Fermin, who debuted at the start of the season, has made 41 appearances and impressed, particularly without the guidance of veteran Sergio Busquets, unlike Pedri and Gavi. Meanwhile, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, despite a quieter game, promises to grow significantly in the coming seasons, especially with Gavi’s return from injury.

Barcelona’s next manager will likely focus on shoring up a struggling defense. Still, there’s a wealth of talent coming from La Masia that is poised to flourish.

Player of the Match: Fermin Lopez (Barcelona)

Fermin is as impactful off the ball as he is on it, showcasing his versatility and dynamism in midfield. His ability to make intelligent runs, press opponents, and contribute defensively establishes him as the goalscoring midfielder Barcelona desperately needs since Luis Enrique, who netted 108 goals for the club. 

With ten goals already in all competitions this season, Fermin demonstrates his striking ability and importance to the team’s attacking play, whether finishing well-worked moves or capitalizing on defensive mistakes. His contributions signal that he could be a cornerstone for Barcelona’s future, helping to drive the team toward new successes.

Player Ratings

Sevilla:

Nyland 7; Juanlu Sanchez 6, Bade 6, Sergio Ramos 6, Kike Salas 6, Adria Pedrosa 7; Soumare 6, Agoume 7; Ocampos 6, Lukebakio 7; En-Nesyri 7.

Subs: Marcao 6, Bueno 6, Gudelj 6, Diaz 6, Veliz.

Barcelona:

Ter Stegen 7; Kounde 6, Pau Cubarsi 6, Inigo Martinez 6, Cancelo 6; Christensen 6, Pedri 8, Gundogan 7; Yamal 7, Lewandowski 7, Fermin 9*.

Subs: Romeu 6, Ferran Torres 7, Joao Felix 6, Vitor Roque 6, Fort Garcia 6.

Match Highlights

15′ GOAL! SEVILLA 0-1 BARCELONA (LEWANDOWSKI)

Cancelo cuts back and delivers a cross to the back post, where Lewandowski executes a karate kick from inside the six-yard box.

24′ SAVE BY TER STEGEN!

Lukebakio turns inside Martinez, but Ter Stegen dives right to make the stop.

31′ GOAL! SEVILLA 1-1 BARCELONA (EN-NESYRI)

Soumare plays a through ball for En-Nesyri, who slides it under Ter Stegen from a narrow angle.

34′ GREAT SAVE!

Lewandowski heads Fermin’s cross to Pedri, whose shot is instinctively tipped over by Nyland.

38′ PEDRI HITS THE BAR!

After setting up Fermin, Pedri’s shot clips the top of the bar.

44′ CANCELO HITS THE POST!

Cancelo fires a shot towards the near post, but it rebounds off the woodwork.

45′ POST AT THE OTHER END!

Lukebakio’s header is on target but hits the post.

54′ NYLAND’S GREAT STOP!

Fermin’s diagonal run is blocked by Nyland, keeping the score level.

59′ GOAL! SEVILLA 1-2 BARCELONA (FERMIN)

Fermin cuts in from the left and drills a low shot inside the near post.

72′ PEDROSA SHOT SAVED!

Ter Stegen pushes Pedrosa’s attempt wide of the target.

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Katarzyna Nowak

Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Latest Football News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.