Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos’ own goal handed his old enemy Barcelona a narrow 1-0 win over Sevilla on Friday in La Liga, taking the Catalans top of the table.
Veteran center-back Ramos deflected Lamine Yamal’s header into his own net in the 76th minute to break the deadlock in a tight clash.
The 37-year-old said this week that he had planned a special goal celebration if he scored against Barca after his summer return to Spain from Paris Saint-Germain, but putting a goal through his own net was not part of the plan.
“Ramos is a spectacular defender, today he had the misfortune of scoring an own goal but he had a good game,” Barcelona coach Xavi told reporters.
“It was unlucky for him, but for us, it was good.”
Barcelona’s victory helped the Catalans overtake Girona at the top of the table, with their neighbours hosting third-place Real Madrid on Saturday.
Before the game, Sevilla caused a stir by announcing their directors would not attend the traditional lunch or sit in the presidential box in protest of Barcelona’s involvement in the refereeing corruption scandal.
The Catalan club and some of their former directors were charged with bribery on Thursday.
Xavi’s experiment with Raphinha was cut short when the Brazilian was injured and replaced by La Masia graduate Fermin Lopez, who rescued Barcelona at Mallorca with a late strike.
The midfielder was quickly teed up by 16-year-old starlet Yamal but could only manage a soft shot, his one disappointing moment on an otherwise impressive outing.
Eventually, the goal came from an unlikely source, with Ramos inadvertently knocking Yamal’s header back into the danger area past Orjan Nyland. Ramos’ touches were greeted by whistles by Barcelona fans for his history in the Spanish capital, which turned to ironic cheers as his own goal was replayed on the big screen at the Olympic Stadium.
On the other hand, Real Madrid will be looking to stay in the competition as they play against Girona, league leaders, in an unexpected blockbuster match.
