Highlights: Lewandowski Shines as Barcelona Rout Sevilla, Atletico Defeat Leganes

Barcelona maintained their three-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga with an emphatic 5-1 victory against Sevilla on Sunday, fueled by Robert Lewandowski and Pablo Torre, who each scored twice. Earlier in the day, Alexander Sorloth’s brace helped Atletico Madrid, currently third, come from behind to defeat Leganes 3-1.

Following Real Madrid’s win against Celta Vigo on Saturday, Barcelona responded with an impressive performance to restore their advantage. Veteran striker Lewandowski, who has now scored 12 goals in 10 La Liga matches, opened the scoring with a penalty before Pedri added a second goal from the edge of the box. Torre, a substitute, sealed the result with two goals, the second of which came from a free-kick that flew past Sevilla’s goalkeeper.

Sevilla’s Stanis Idumbo managed to score a late consolation goal, but the team, led by Francisco Garcia Pimienta in his return to the club, was thoroughly outclassed. Barcelona also had cause for celebration as Gavi returned to action after a long injury absence, making his first appearance since November 2023.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expressed his delight after the match, saying, “It’s difficult to pick a highlight – five goals and three points, but we’re all just happy that Gavi is back.” Despite facing Bayern Munich in the Champions League and a crucial Clasico against Real Madrid, Flick fielded a strong lineup, including Gavi, Dani Olmo, and Fermin Lopez on the bench, while Ansu Fati made his first start of the season.

Barcelona took the lead when Raphinha was fouled in the box, allowing Lewandowski to convert the penalty in the 24th minute. The Polish striker continued his fine form under Flick, leading La Liga’s scoring charts. Pedri soon doubled the lead, assisted by the lively Lamine Yamal. Lewandowski added a third goal before halftime, guiding Raphinha’s long-range shot into the net.

Sevilla’s troubles worsened as they lost winger Chidera Ejuke to injury. Although Raphinha had a goal ruled out for offside early in the second half, Barcelona remained dominant. Yamal’s audacious attempt from distance was brilliantly saved, while Sevilla’s Dodi Lukebakio also had an effort disallowed for offside.

Torre then struck Barcelona’s fourth goal with a deflected shot, and Gavi’s return brought loud cheers from the home crowd. Gavi, speaking to LaLiga TV, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’ve dreamed about this for months. The hardest part was watching from the sidelines. I’m so happy to be back.” Idumbo pulled one back for Sevilla, but Torre completed Barcelona’s night with a fortunate free-kick goal that sneaked in at the far post.

In another match, Atletico Madrid faced a tough test against Leganes but eventually triumphed 3-1. After Yvan Neyou gave Leganes the lead, Sorloth equalized with a well-taken finish, and Antoine Griezmann put Atletico ahead. Sorloth secured the win in stoppage time with a poacher’s goal, capping off a much-needed victory for Diego Simeone’s side. Simeone noted the team’s improvement in the second half, particularly in speeding up their play.

Atletico, having struggled with only one win in their previous five matches, were bolstered by the result. However, their home crowd was notably reduced as the south stand of the Metropolitano stadium remained closed due to sanctions from a previous incident involving Real Madrid players.