Barcelona suffered their first defeat of the season in heartbreaking fashion, conceding in the final minute against reigning European champions PSG. While the loss stung, it also provided clarity: Barça are close to the elite level — but not quite there yet.
Now, just days later, Hansi Flick’s men must reset as they travel to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan to face Sevilla in their final game before the international break.
With major squad developments and tactical adjustments expected, here are the three biggest talking points heading into Sevilla vs Barcelona.
1. Lessons to Be Learned From PSG Defeat
Barcelona started brightly against PSG, dominating the opening stages — but faded quickly. Flick and his staff have reportedly spent the last 48 hours assessing what went wrong: lack of intensity, failure to sustain pressing, and mental lapses in key moments.
The message internally is clear: better to suffer a wake-up call now than later in the season.
All eyes will be on how Barcelona respond. The mentality of this squad suggests a strong reaction — but the real question is whether they show improvement, not just effort.
2. Yamal Out Again — Who Steps Up?
The biggest blow ahead of this clash? Lamine Yamal is ruled out once again due to a relapse of his pubalgia injury.
His return against PSG was short-lived — he looked uncomfortable in the second half and ended the match in visible pain. While Barcelona are relieved he won’t join up with Spain during the break, they now face Sevilla without both Yamal and Raphinha.
That means Flick will have to get creative.
Possible solutions include:
Marcus Rashford taking on a more prominent role A start for Roony Bardghji on the right Or a system tweak to compensate for the lack of natural wingers
How Flick handles this selection dilemma could define the match.
3. A Chance to Enter the Break as La Liga Leaders
This will be Barcelona’s last fixture before the international break, and the timing couldn’t be more important.
With Real Madrid dropping points to Atlético last week, Barça currently sit top of La Liga. A win in Seville would guarantee they remain league leaders heading into the break, potentially even extending the gap depending on Madrid’s clash with Villarreal.
Why does it matter? Because when domestic football resumes… El Clásico is waiting.
Entering that matchup from the top spot — and with momentum — would be invaluable.
Final Word
Barcelona’s trip to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan is more than just another league fixture — it’s a character test, a tactical puzzle, and a psychological checkpoint.
Can they show maturity after defeat? Can Flick find solutions without Yamal and Raphinha? And can they send a message to Madrid before El Clásico?
We’re about to find out.
