Barcelona have emerged victorious in an action-packed encounter at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium. Table-toppers Barcelona came back from behind on two occasions to win the game 2-4. The score-line is indeed an unfair representation of the proceedings in Seville.
The home side, Sevilla totally outclassed Ernesto Valverde’s men for 65 odd minutes. However a poor clearance from Sevilla shot-stopper, Vaclik lead to Barcelona’s second equaliser. Following which, the momentum of the match changed. A Lionel Messi hattrick along with an assist for Barcelona’s fourth goal which was scored by Luis Suarez sealed the deal for the Cules.
Even though Barcelona picked up three points from their trip down south, Valverde would not be a very pleased man. Here’s how we at T4O feel Barca fared in their game against the Andalusian side, Sevilla.
Barcelona starting eleven at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan are rated as follows:
Ter Stegen – 6/10
Ter Stegen did not have much to do throughout the entirety of the games. There was nothing the goalkeeper could have done about the two goals that Barcelona conceded.
Nelson Semedo – 6/10
The right-back had a very quiet afternoon and did not do much in the first half of the game. Sergi Roberto was brought on right at the beginning of the second half.
Gerard Pique – 4/10
Pique had an extremely sub-standard afternoon, which is on par with his overall performance this season. The Spaniard was found out of position on several occasions. The centre-back positions seem to be areas of extreme concern for Barcelona. It will be important to see if Pique is given the nod for the two upcoming Clasicos.
Samuel Umtiti – 5/10
The French defender looked out of sorts on his return from a prolonged injury. Umtiti failed to be an imposing figure in the defensive half of Barcelona.
Jordi Alba – 7/10
Alba had a reasonably decent afternoon. Was involved in several build-up plays and was instrumental in playing the ball out from the back on several occasions.
Ivan Rakitic – 8/10
The former Sevilla man had an amazing return to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Rakitic held the strings together in the centre of midfield alongside the ever reliable, Sergio Busquets. The midfielder also assisted Barcelona’s first goal which was indeed a splendid goal from Lionel Messi.
Sergio Busquets – 7/10
Busquets played a crucial role in holding the midfield of Barcelona. Despite being pocket-picked on several occasions, he did feel like the driving force behind each of Barcelona’s forward moves.
Arturo Vidal – 5/10
Vidal seemed totally off colour and was taken off as soon as the second half began. Vidal along with Semedo were majorly responsible for the poor display of Barcelona in the first half.
Phillipe Coutinho – 6/10
The Brazillian seemed lost in the pitch in the first half. Even during the second half, Coutinho failed to make an impact and was taken off during the dying moments of the game.
Luis Suarez – 7/10
Despite looking a bit out of sorts during the entire game, Suarez grabbed himself a goal in extra time. The Uruguayan looked a bit slow at times and this would be an area of concern for Ernesto Valverde
Lionel Messi – 10/10
A 5-star performance from the magisterial Lionel Messi. Three match-winning goals along with an assist surely make him a well-deserved Man of the Match. The Argentine single-handedly turned the game around much to the annoyance of the Sevilla fans.
Substitutes
Ousmane Dembele – 7/10
Had a decent 45 minutes in the second half. Took on several Sevilla defenders before assisting the vital equalising goal in the 67th minute.
Sergi Roberto – 7/10
Made a massive difference by coming on and replacing the out of sorts Nelson Semedo.
Carles Alena – 7/10
Replaced Coutinho and was instrumental in Barcelona’s crucial third goal. His tame shot landed up on Messi’s feet after taking a deflection from the opposing defender.
