La Liga: Lewandowski, Torre fire Barcelona to a 5-1 victory over Sevilla

Barcelona continued their impressive La Liga campaign with a resounding 5-1 victory over Sevilla, maintaining their three-point lead over Real Madrid ahead of the highly anticipated El Clasico.

Robert Lewandowski and Pablo Torre were the stars of the match, each scoring twice in a dominant display of attacking football at Camp Nou.

Veteran striker Lewandowski showcased his lethal form by netting twice, taking his tally to 12 goals in just 10 La Liga appearances this season.

His first goal opened the scoring early, while his second came after Pedri Gonzalez’s precise strike from the edge of the box, giving Barcelona a comfortable 3-0 lead.

Lewandowski’s clinical finishing continues to be a key factor in Barcelona’s attacking prowess under Hansi Flick.

Sevilla, managed by former Barcelona stalwart Francisco Garcia Pimienta, struggled to contain Barcelona’s relentless attack.

Despite a late consolation goal from Stanis Idumbo for Sevilla, it was Pablo Torre who sealed the rout. The young substitute impressed by scoring twice, including a remarkable free-kick that flew into the net at the far post, leaving Sevilla’s goalkeeper Nyland helpless.

With this victory, Barcelona remain firmly at the top of La Liga, maintaining their lead over Real Madrid. The result sets up an exciting showdown between the two Spanish giants in next weekend’s Clasico.

“(It was) very important, given the games ahead, but this was an important game (too) and we got the three points,” Pedri told Movistar.

“Just before the game the coach said the space was just outside the area and I had the luck (to score).”

Despite upcoming clashes against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and Saturday’s visit to the Santiago Bernabeu, Flick started arguably his strongest fit and available side.

The coach was able to name Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez and Gavi on the bench after injury, the latter sidelined since November 2023 following a knee operation.

Ansu Fati started for the first time this season after Eric Garcia felt discomfort in the warm-up, with Raphinha shifting into a central attacking midfield position.

Lamine Yamal, starting after recovering from a minor hamstring strain which saw Spain release him from international duty early, curled off target early on after a spritely burst past two Sevilla players.

The Catalans took the lead when Raphinha went down in the box under light contact from Peque, a former Barca youth player, and the referee pointed to the spot.

Lewandowski, stuttering in his run-up, sent Sevilla goalkeeper Orjan Nyland the wrong way to fire Barca ahead.

The 36-year-old striker is enjoying a second wind under Flick and leads Spain’s scoring charts with 12 strikes in 10 matches, twice as many as any other player.

Pedri soon doubled Barcelona’s lead from the edge of the box after the active Yamal set him up. The teenage Spain star then threaded through Lewandowski but Nyland made a fine save to deny him.

– Gavi ‘deserves this’ –

Polish veteran Lewandowski netted his second before the break by guiding home Raphinha’s drive from distance with a flick of his boot.

Suffering Sevilla were dealt more bad news before the break when explosive winger Chidera Ejuke limped off injured.

Raphinha fired home early in the second half but was offside, as Barcelona strolled, carving open the Andalucians at their leisure.

Yamal produced an outrageous shot from distance with the outside of his boot which Nyland clawed to safety.

Dodi Lukebakio struck at the other end on a rare Sevilla forray forward but had strayed offside.

Barca midfielder Pablo Torre rattled home the fourth with the aid of a deflection before Gavi made his first appearance in 11 months as a substitute with a few minutes remaining to a rapturous reception.

“He’s a great guy, a hard worker, he deserves this moment, you can see the fans love him and we all do,” added Pedri.

Idumbo pulled one back for Sevilla, 13th, but Torre wrapped up Barcelona’s night with a stroke of fortune when his free-kick crept in at the far post.