La Liga Shocker: Nigerian Stars Power Sevilla to Historic 4-1 Victory Over Barcelona
Sevilla stunned Spanish football with a commanding 4-1 triumph over Barcelona on Saturday, ending an eight-year winless streak against the Catalan giants. The emphatic victory, highlighted by late-game heroics from Nigerian internationals Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke, propelled Sevilla from 10th to 4th place in La Liga’s standings.
The hosts wasted no time asserting their dominance at the Ramon Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium. Alexis Sánchez opened the scoring in the 13th minute from the penalty spot after VAR confirmed a foul by Ronald Araújo on Isaac Romero. The lead doubled when Romero connected with Ruben Vargas’s cross to make it 2-0 in the 36th minute.
Barcelona, fresh from their Champions League setback against Paris Saint-Germain, showed signs of life when Marcus Rashford’s spectacular left-footed volley reduced the deficit before halftime.
The second half saw Barcelona dominate possession but struggle to convert chances. Their best opportunity came in the 76th minute when Robert Lewandowski’s penalty missed the target, while Swedish forward Roony failed to capitalize on two clear opportunities.
Sevilla’s disciplined defensive strategy paid off in the closing stages. Carmona extended the lead to 3-1 with a precise finish in the 90th minute following a counter-attack. The final blow came deep in stoppage time through a combination of Nigerian talent – substitute Chidera Ejuke, who had replaced Alexis Sánchez, provided the assist for fellow countryman Akor Adams, who had come on for Isaac Romero in the 61st minute. Adams’ clinical right-footed finish into the bottom corner marked his second goal of the season and first at the Sánchez-Pizjuán.
The result carries significant implications for both clubs. Barcelona, who had lost just once to Sevilla in La Liga since 2007, now find themselves two points behind Real Madrid in the title race. For Sevilla, the victory not only marked a historic moment but also showcased their tactical evolution under new management.
The performance, particularly the Nigerian connection in the final goal, highlighted the growing influence of African talent in European football. On a night when Sevilla unveiled their new home stand, Adams and Ejuke’s combination play provided a fitting finale to a memorable evening of Spanish football.
