Salmon Move Sparks Controversy as Sevilla Edge Past Barcelona in La Liga
6 October 2025
Key moment and controversy
Sevilla took the lead over Barcelona on Sunday in La Liga round 7 thanks to a penalty converted by Alexis Sanchez in a moment that sparked widespread debate during the match.
The spot kick came after a challenge by Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo on Isaac Romero, with referee Muniz Ruiz awarding it after a VAR review by Del Cerro Grande.
The incident triggered anger among Barcelona fans, and many refereeing experts argued the decision was incorrect.
Reaction and aftermath
On Cadena COPE, former international referee Mateo Lahoz said the incident was not a penalty and called it a grievous error in recent memory. He noted that beyond a small contact, Romero jumped at the same time, a move he calls the salmon move.
Behind the scenes, Movistar Plus+ cameras captured a heated reaction from Araujo as he confronted the referee with the message that what was happening was unbelievable and that he had been sold a fake story.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick attempted to calm his players after the decision, urging focus and discipline. Sevilla added another goal later, extending the lead and complicating Barca's night.
Araujo was shown in the locker room muttering that things seem to be against them, a moment that captured the mood. DAZN later released the audio of the VAR review between Del Cerro Grande and Muniz Ruiz, revealing a tense exchange on the video evidence.
Flick stressed that the team must learn from the match and the injuries, while Barca's slump continued ahead of the international break. The clash left Sevilla well placed in the league and Barca seeking solutions after a difficult run of form.
The loss was described by Flick as painful but potentially a turning point; Barca must regroup after a tough run, including a recent knockout against PSG in the Champions League and a heavy domestic defeat to Sevilla.
Punchline 1: If this is a salmon move, the referee should have bought a swimsuit. Punchline 2: When the fish swims upstream, the crowd boos louder than the waves.
