Barcelona player ratings vs Sevilla: Oh dear, Hansi Flick! Robert Lewandowski misses penalty as Catalan giants are thumped in stunning defeat despite Marcus Rashford strike
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.
GOAL rates Barcelona’s players from the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan in Seville…
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AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
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.
