Sevilla and Barcelona played out a tense and entertaining 1-1 draw at a rain-soaked Sanchez-Pizjuan on Tuesday evening. Both sides went into the game desperate for victory – Sevilla would have put real pressure on Real Madrid at the top of the table, while Barcelona would have elevated themselves into the top four. Neither happened, but a draw was fair all things considered.
Sevilla took the lead in the 32nd minute through Papu Gomez. The Argentine was live at the edge of the area to meet Ivan Rakitic’s short corner before arrowing his effort past Marc-Andre ter Stegen and into the bottom left corner of the goal. It was a fine and intelligent move straight off the training ground.
Barcelona found an equaliser on the stroke of half-time. Again, it came from a set-piece – Ousmane Dembele floated in a corner from the right side to meet Ronald Araujo, who had risen highest, in mid-air. The Uruguayan’s header left Bono with no chance.
Sevilla’s bid for victory became a little more complicated in the 65th minute. Jules Kounde was sent off for throwing the ball at Jordi Alba after an altercation on the touchline – the Frenchman saw red and left Sevilla down to ten men at a pivotal time. But the Andalusian side managed to see out the draw to earn a point.
“It’s a bittersweet sensation,” Xavi said post-match in comments carried by Marca. “I think we performed well, but obviously we have to improve. We’ve earned a point, but we have to be patient. We have to insist on this model – we’re on the right track. But it’s a shame because we had them.
“It’s difficult to take, not winning. It’s going to be hard for me to sleep. I think we should have won. Sevilla are very experienced and very good tactically, but I leave here unsatisfied. But tomorrow I’ll look back and think we played well. The performance, from the bench, I think was very good. I think this is the Barcelona people want. The results tell all, but I think we enjoyed some good moments and the team competed very well.”
Very good parfomers more to come
Unbelievable!, this set of Barcelona players held Sevilla to draw in their home. In fact, it shows there is room for improvement in future. Kudos to Coach XAVI
This isn’t the barca we want to see. The barca we want is a barca that plays well and win games not draw. There’s still room for improvement.
I think Barca plays well compared to previous matches, with this inform and tactical Seville in their own home.I hope will be Barca again after January transfer.More greese to Barca players.
Twas a fantastic performance from the team but like the coach said, they had the numerical advantage they could not make use of. Dembele is getting back into the game with mesmerizing runs and take ons, though I think he should have cut more inside the area by taking the ball to the weaker leg of the left full back to take his chances in the area. Abde was less confident on this time out. Nico should be given more playing time in place of Frankie whom we have the opportunity to cash in on right away while clubs are still very much interested in him.
In mine opinion Umtiti is more confident and hard in defense than Lenglet is seems wavy most of the times. Araujo is a star and has the