When Akor Adams, the 25‑year‑old Nigerian striker for Sevilla FC, teamed up with fellow Super Eagle Chidera Ejuke, Sevilla stunned FC Barcelona 4‑1 at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium on 5 October 2025, ending a decade‑long winless streak against the Catalan giants. The clash, part of the 2025‑26 La Liga seasonRamón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium, marked Sevilla’s first triumph over Barcelona since October 2015.
Match Recap: How Sevilla Turned the Tide
Barcelona opened brightly, earning a penalty in the 13th minute after Ronald Araújo brought down Isaac Romero inside the box. Referee Alejandro Muñíz Ruíz pointed to the spot and Alexis Sánchez coolly slotted it home, giving the Catalans an early lead.
Sevilla responded before the half‑hour mark. A misplaced pass from Jules Koundé saw Ruben Vargas charge forward, cross, and find Romero for a tidy second goal, putting the hosts 2‑1 ahead.
The decisive blow came deep into stoppage time. After a swift counter‑attack, Chidera Ejuke replaced Sánchez in the 93rd minute and delivered a clever lay‑off that split Barcelona’s defense. Akor Adams arrived at the edge of the box, took a touch, and tucked the ball past Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny. The fourth goal sealed a 4‑1 victory and capped a night that will be replayed in Sevilla’s locker room for years.
Nigerian Duo’s Impact: From Super Eagles Call‑Up to La Liga Heroics
Both Adams and Ejuke entered the match as second‑half substitutes, yet their combined minutes produced Sevilla’s final strike. Adams, who earned his first Super Eagles call‑up on 3 October 2025, logged 29 minutes, registering one shot on target, one blocked effort, and a 40 % passing rate. Still, his composure in front of goal was undeniable.
Ejuke, previously a regular in the Greek Super League, replaced Sánchez just before the final whistle. In less than a minute he set up the decisive play, proving his “impact‑sub” pedigree. The pair’s chemistry reminded fans of the earlier partnership they forged at the international level, where they combined for several crucial qualifiers.
Statistically, Adams now has two goals and an assist in six La Liga appearances, a marked improvement from the injury‑plagued start to the campaign. His contribution pushed Sevilla up to sixth place, narrowing the gap to the top three.
Sevilla Breaks a Decade‑Long Drought
Before Sunday’s win, Sevilla had gone 19 games without beating Barcelona—a streak that stretched back to the 2015‑16 season. The last victory was a 2‑1 success on 21 October 2015, a night that seemed a lifetime ago for the Andalusian faithful.
Ending such a long run does more than add three points; it restores belief. Coach Jorge Sampaoli (who took the reins in July 2025) praised the depth of his squad. “When a substitute changes the game, you know you have the right mentality,” he said in the post‑match press conference.
The win also shifts the La Liga title race. Real Madrid, who beat Juventus in the Champions League earlier in the week, moved two points clear at the summit, while Barcelona’s back‑to‑back defeats marked the first time they’d lost consecutive league games in 2025.
Barcelona’s Struggles: A Season of Uncertainty
Barcelona’s loss was a double blow. Not only did they surrender a lead they built early, but striker Robert Lewandowski missed a crucial penalty that could have narrowed the deficit.
Coach Xavi Hernández faces mounting pressure after the club slipped to third place behind Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. The defeat follows a midweek 2‑0 loss to Paris Saint‑Germain in the Champions League, leaving fans questioning whether Barcelona can recover before the season’s final stretch.
Analysts point to a leaky defence and an over‑reliance on set‑pieces. Former defender Carles Puyol warned, “Barcelona can’t keep gifting chances to opponents. The midfield must tighten up, otherwise the title race is over.”
World Cup Qualifier Outlook for Nigeria
While Sevilla celebrated, the Nigerian national team, Super Eagles, prepared for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Lesotho on 10 October 2025 in South Africa. Nigeria sits third in Group C with 11 points, three behind leaders Benin and South Africa.
Coach Erechatta Chelle will likely start Adams, who has been in fine form. With striker Cyriel Dessers sidelined and forward Tolu Arokodare struggling for goals, the Super Eagles need a reliable goal‑getter. Adams’ recent brace against Barcelona could make him the go‑to man.
If Nigeria beats Lesotho away and then top‑spots Benin at home on 14 October 2025, they could surge to 17 points, keeping alive a realistic shot at the 2026 World Cup—provided they finish atop the group, as only group winners qualify automatically.
Historical Context: Nigerian Talent in La Liga
Nigerian players have left an indelible mark on Spanish football. From Nwankwo Kanu’s Champions League heroics in the early 2000s to John Obinna Ogu’s solid midfield work, the country has supplied high‑calibre talent.
Adams and Ejuke represent the latest wave, combining physicality with technical flair. Their performances this season could open doors for more Nigerian prospects in Europe, especially as clubs look beyond traditional markets.
What’s Next for Sevilla and Barcelona?
Sevilla’s next fixture is a home clash against Atlético Madrid on 12 October 2025. A win could propel them into the Europa League spots and keep the momentum alive.
Barcelona, meanwhile, travel to Valencia for a showdown with Levante on 13 October 2025. A positive result is essential to stem the slide and keep hopes of a top‑three finish alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Sevilla’s win affect their La Liga standing?
The 4‑1 victory lifts Sevilla to sixth place with 44 points, narrowing the gap to the top three and keeping European competition hopes very much alive.
Will Akor Adams start for Nigeria against Lesotho?
Coach Erechatta Chelle is expected to hand the starting role to Adams, given his recent form and the injuries to Dessers and Arokodare.
What broke Barcelona’s defensive record in this match?
A combination of misplaced passes from Koundé, a slow recovery after Roma’s counter‑attack, and Lewandowski’s missed penalty left Barcelona vulnerable, allowing Sevilla to exploit the gaps.
How significant is the Nigerian duo’s contribution to Sevilla’s season?
Their combined goals and assists account for roughly 15 % of Sevilla’s total goals so far, a boost that has helped reverse a sluggish start and restore confidence among the fan base.
What are the broader implications for La Liga’s title race?
Real Madrid’s two‑point lead over Barcelona widens after Barcelona’s second consecutive loss, intensifying pressure on Xavi’s side to regroup before the season’s decisive phase.
Comments
Aryan Singh
October 6, 2025 AT 03:12 AMSevilla's win was a textbook example of tactical depth; the coach’s decision to bring on fresh legs paid off instantly. The Nigerian duo showcased how speed and positional awareness can overturn even the most disciplined defenses. Their impact goes beyond the stats – it’s a morale boost for the whole squad.
vikas duhun
October 13, 2025 AT 01:52 AMWhat a turnaround! The moment Ejuke stepped on, you could feel the stadium shift, and the drama hit a fever pitch.
Daniel Craine
October 18, 2025 AT 20:45 PMHonestly, Barca’s defense looked like Swiss cheese; they just handed Sevilla the game on a silver platter. Penalties, missed chances, and a shrug‑off from Xavi-classic mess.
Reid Vance
October 23, 2025 AT 11:52 AMStatistically, Sevilla’s possession climbed to 57 % after the substitutions, which correlates with a higher expected‑goals (xG) figure. That’s why the late surge wasn’t a fluke; it was an expected outcome of the data.
Kristen VanPamel
October 26, 2025 AT 23:12 PMIn the theatre of sport, moments like these are the rare scripts that rewrite destiny.
Sudaman TM
October 29, 2025 AT 06:45 AMBarca’s tactics were a joke 😂 they couldn’t even cover a simple counter‑attack 🤦♂️
Anna Lee
October 31, 2025 AT 00:25 AMWow, what a game! The energy, the precision, the sheer will to dominate-it was absolutely electrifying, and I can’t help but feel thrilled every time I replay that final third‑minute goal!
Kasey DellaPenna
November 2, 2025 AT 21:52 PMGreat job Sevilla keep that fire alive next game you’ve got this
Gayleen Lowrie
November 4, 2025 AT 07:12 AMThe way Adams timed his run shows great composure; that’s the kind of confidence we need to nurture in the squad.
julia mutambara
November 6, 2025 AT 14:45 PMThe victory over Barcelona is more than just three points; it represents a seismic shift in Sevilla’s season narrative. After a decade of frustration, the fans finally have a tangible reason to celebrate, and that collective joy can translate into heightened performances on the pitch. The Nigerian duo, Adams and Ejuke, embodied the principle that fresh legs can change the complexion of a match, turning stagnation into momentum within minutes. Their chemistry, honed through international duty, proved that understanding between players transcends club boundaries. Moreover, the tactical gamble by Sampaoli to introduce impact subs early in the second half underscores a modern approach to game management. By exploiting Barcelona’s waning concentration, Sevilla capitalized on a crucial window that many teams overlook. The defensive lapses from Koundé and the misplaced pass that led to Romero’s second goal highlight that even elite squads are vulnerable under pressure. Each of these moments carved a pathway for the final blow, a clinical finish by Adams that will be replayed in highlight reels for weeks. From a statistical standpoint, Sevilla’s expected‑goals surged after the substitutions, aligning the narrative with the numbers. The psychological lift from breaking a ten‑year drought cannot be understated; confidence is an intangible asset that fuels aggressiveness and creativity. For the broader La Liga landscape, this result reshapes the title race, putting additional pressure on Real Madrid and forcing Barcelona into a period of introspection. Fans across Europe now have a fresh storyline to follow, one that intertwines the rise of African talent with the storied history of Spanish football. The ripple effect may also open doors for more Nigerian prospects seeking to make their mark in Europe. In short, the match was a masterclass in seizing opportunity, and it should serve as a case study for clubs aiming to overturn long‑standing rivalries. Let’s hope the momentum carries forward and that Sevilla can string together more victories of this caliber.
Javier cox
November 7, 2025 AT 18:32 PMYo, that win is fire – big shoutout to the Nigerian lads, they’re takin’ the league by storm.
Liz Lessner
November 9, 2025 AT 20:32 PMThats realy inspiring to see new players step up and make a differecne foward.
Tyler Tucker
November 11, 2025 AT 08:38 AMSevilla finally showed they got bite, Barca got schooled
pragya bharti
November 12, 2025 AT 15:12 PMWhen the underdogs rise, the whole game feels fresh again.
Rohit Bafna
November 13, 2025 AT 16:12 PMIndia's diaspora should recognize the strategic value of African talent in elevating global football standards.
Mayank Mishra
November 14, 2025 AT 14:25 PMExactly, the synergy between Adams and Ejuke is a tactical masterpiece that other teams should emulate.
Chance Remien
November 15, 2025 AT 09:52 AMThe match illustrates how systemic adaptability can overcome entrenched dominance, a lesson applicable beyond sport.
Wesley Nakamatsu
November 16, 2025 AT 02:32 AMIndeed, the analytical framework employed by Sevilla’s coaching staff demonstrates a commendable synthesis of data‑driven decision making and traditional footballing acumen.
Giacinta Pace
November 16, 2025 AT 16:25 PMGreat job Sevilla keep shining and make us proud!