Sevilla's Akor Adams predicts win, stars in 4-1 upset over Barcelona

When Akor Adams told reporters he “knows what it takes” to beat Barcelona at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, few could have guessed his words would turn into a headline‑making 4‑1 triumph for Sevilla FC on Sunday, 5 October 2025. The Nigerian striker, fresh off a call‑up to the Super Eagles, laid out a tactical blueprint that his teammates executed to perfection, ending a decade‑long drought against the Catalan giants. The match, part of the 2025‑26 La Liga seasonSeville, left Hansi Flick’s Barcelona reeling after their second straight loss.

Historical context of the rivalry

Sevilla’s last victory over Barcelona came back in the 2014‑15 campaign, a narrow 2‑1 win that felt like a miracle at the time. Since then, the Catalan side had amassed a flawless record at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, handing the Andalusians just three draws and nine defeats. The gap wasn’t just statistical; it shaped the clubs’ mentalities. Barcelona, fresh off a Champions League final loss to Paris Saint‑Germain, entered the weekend with a bruised confidence, while Sevilla’s manager, José Luis Martínez, vowed to break the pattern with an “all‑out pressing” approach.

Match preview: Adams’ confidence and tactical plan

During a pre‑match press conference, Adams outlined three key pillars: high‑intensity press, quick diagonal switches, and exploiting the spaces behind Barcelona’s full‑backs. “We can’t control the final whistle,” he said, “but we can dictate the rhythm from the first minute.” His words echoed a broader sentiment within the Sevilla dressing room – belief that their preparation could finally turn the tide. The forward’s recent inclusion in the Super Eagles squad added a personal milestone, giving him extra motivation to prove his worth on a bigger stage.

The game unfolds: minute‑by‑minute

Sevilla's 4-1 victory was built on aggression from the opening whistle. Within three minutes, Alexis Sanchez slotted a penalty after a clumsy defender challenge, giving the hosts an early lead. The pressure didn’t ease; a rapid counter‑attack saw Isaac Romero fire home a low‑driven finish, doubling Sevilla’s advantage by the 15th minute.

Barcelona found a lifeline just before halftime when Pedri floated a perfectly weighted lob that Marcus Rashford met with a stunning volley, reducing the deficit to 2‑1. The goal sparked a brief surge, but the Catalans never found a second‑half rhythm. In the second period, Robert Lewandowski stepped up for a controversial spot‑kick, only to see his effort sail over the bar – a moment that could have rewritten the narrative.

Sevilla’s relentless work rate forced Barcelona into errors, and the home side capitalised. A late‑stage corner saw the ball ricochet to a charging Adams, who headed the ball into the net during stoppage time, sealing the 4‑1 scoreline.

Reactions from the sidelines

Post‑match, José Luis Martínez praised his side’s discipline, noting, “We executed the plan we rehearsed all week. Akor’s confidence was infectious, and the boys responded.” Adams, still beaming, added, “I said we could do it. The team showed today that belief translates into results.”

Barcelona’s coach, Hansi Flick, admitted his side was “out‑foxed” and promised a tactical overhaul. “We have to tighten the back line and improve our transition,” he said, while acknowledging the penalty miss as “a cruel twist of fate.”

Implications for both clubs

For Sevilla, the win catapulted them into the European competition spots, tightening the race for a Europa League berth. The triumph also gave the club a psychological edge that could reverberate through the remainder of the season.

Barcelona, meanwhile, slipped further behind the league leaders, intensifying pressure on Hansi Flick’s tenure. Analysts point to the defensive frailties exposed by Sevilla’s pressing as a symptom of a deeper structural issue within the squad.

What’s next for Adams and the Super Eagles

Just days after the match, Adams received an official call‑up for Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying fixtures against Ghana and Sudan. His performance in Seville has elevated his profile, and the national team coach, Augustine Eguavoen, hinted that the striker could become a regular starter if he maintains this form.

Background: why this win matters

• First Sevilla victory over Barcelona since 15 May 2015.
• Sevilla climbs to 7th place in La Liga, within reach of European competition.
• Barcelona drops to 9th, marking their worst league position in a decade.
• Akor Adams earns his first senior international call‑up for Nigeria.
• Robert Lewandowski’s missed penalty becomes a talking point across European media.