Sevilla’s Sergio Ramos scores own goal to send Barcelona top of La Liga

In a highly anticipated clash in La Liga, Barcelona secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Sevilla, thanks to a surprising own goal by none other than Real Madrid legend, Sergio Ramos.

This hard-fought win propelled Barcelona to the top of the league table, overshadowing Sevilla’s protest against their involvement in a refereeing corruption scandal. Let’s delve into the key moments and highlights of this exciting encounter.

Sergio Ramos’ Unintentional Contribution

In the 76th minute, the unexpected happened when veteran center-back Sergio Ramos deflected Lamine Yamal’s header into his own net.

This mishap shattered the deadlock and handed Barcelona a crucial advantage in the match. Ramos, who recently made a return to Spain from Paris Saint-Germain, had hinted at a special goal celebration if he were to score against Barcelona. However, his accidental own goal was far from the plan he had in mind.

Barcelona’s Ascent to the Top Of The Laliga Table

Barcelona’s triumph against Sevilla catapulted them to the summit of the La Liga table, surpassing Girona. With this win, the Catalans added another chapter to their storied rivalry with Ramos, leaving fans eager to see how the season unfolds.

Sevilla’s Unique Protest

Before the match, Sevilla made a bold statement by announcing that their directors would not partake in the traditional pre-match lunch or occupy the presidential box.

This protest was in response to Barcelona’s alleged involvement in a refereeing corruption scandal. The Catalan club, along with some former directors, had faced bribery charges just a day before the match, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter.

Xavi’s Tactical Choices

Barcelona’s newly appointed coach, Xavi, made several strategic decisions for this pivotal match. He started Raphinha in the attacking midfield role, with Lamine Yamal on the flank, in a bid to inject more dynamism into the team’s offense. Xavi also shifted Ilkay Gundogan to a holding midfield position alongside Gavi, opting to bench Oriol Romeu following his lackluster performance in the draw against Mallorca.

Early Action and Near Misses

The match kicked off with Joao Felix’s impressive run resulting in a shot that struck the crossbar, providing an early glimpse of Barcelona’s intent. Sevilla, meanwhile, proved to be a threat on the counter-attack. Marc-Andre ter Stegen made crucial saves to deny former Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic and a shot by Dodi Lukebakio. Gavi showcased his defensive prowess by blocking a shot with his chest, frustrating Lucas Ocampos’ attempt.

Raphinha’s Injury and Subsequent Replacement

Barcelona’s plans hit a hurdle when Raphinha suffered an injury, leading to his substitution. La Masia graduate Fermin Lopez stepped in to replace him. Lopez, who had previously salvaged Barcelona with a late strike against Mallorca, tried to make an impact but could only manage a soft shot after a promising touch to control the ball.

Lewandowski’s Missed Opportunity

Robert Lewandowski, the talismanic striker for Barcelona, had a golden opportunity to put his team ahead in the second half. However, Sevilla’s goalkeeper, Orjan Nyland, produced a spectacular save to thwart Lewandowski’s attempt. Gavi also came close with a deflected shot that narrowly missed the target as Barcelona continued to press for an opening goal.

Sergio Ramos’ Unfortunate Contribution

In the end, it was Sergio Ramos who inadvertently made the decisive contribution. His own goal, knocking Yamal’s header into the net, left the Barcelona fans in a mix of ironic cheers and whistles. Ramos, despite his illustrious history with Real Madrid, found himself in an unfortunate position, indirectly aiding Barcelona’s victory.

Yamal’s Connection with Ramos

An interesting side note to the match was the connection between Lamine Yamal and Sergio Ramos. At the age of nine, Yamal had the unique experience of standing alongside Ramos as a Barcelona mascot in 2016 when Ramos captained Real Madrid in a Clasico. Little did he know that his performance would play a pivotal role in defeating Ramos’ current team.

Our Thoughts

Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over Sevilla, courtesy of Sergio Ramos’ own goal, was a significant moment in La Liga. This match not only had footballing implications but also carried the weight of controversy and protest. With Barcelona now atop the table, fans eagerly await the unfolding drama of the season, while Ramos faces the unexpected consequence of becoming an unwitting contributor to his old rival’s success.