Robert Lewandowski and Pablo Torre each scored two goals as Barcelona defeated Sevilla 5-1 on Sunday, maintaining a three-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga ahead of next weekend's Clasico.
Barcelona quickly restored their advantage after Real Madrid's victory over Celta Vigo on Saturday. Lewandowski’s performance brought his tally to 12 goals in 10 league matches, sandwiching a goal from Pedri Gonzalez, who found the net from the edge of the box. Torre, who came on as a substitute, added the fourth goal, while Stanis Idumbo scored a late consolation for Sevilla.
Barcelona opened the scoring when Raphinha was brought down in the box by Peque, prompting the referee to award a penalty. Lewandowski converted the penalty, sending Sevilla goalkeeper Orjan Nyland the wrong way.
Pedri doubled the lead soon after, thanks to an assist from Lamine Yamal. Lewandowski scored again before halftime, flicking Raphinha's long shot into the net. Sevilla suffered a setback when winger Chidera Ejuke left the pitch injured.
Although Raphinha had a goal ruled out for offside early in the second half, Barcelona continued to dominate. Torre added the fourth goal, aided by a deflection, before Gavi made his first appearance in 11 months, receiving applause from the fans.
Idumbo scored for Sevilla in the final moments of the match, but Torre concluded the scoring with a free-kick that found its way past Nyland.
Pedri remarked, “(It was) very important, given the games ahead, but this was an important game (too) and we got the three points.” He also noted, “Just before the game, the coach said the space was just outside the area and I had the luck (to score).”
Barcelona's focus will now shift to their upcoming fixtures, including a match against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and the visit to the Santiago Bernabeu next Saturday.
