The Catalans cemented their place in the Copa del Rey final alongside Atheltic Bilbao after a sensational 3-0 victory against Sevilla in midweek. Barcelona were two goals down on aggregate coming into the fixture and needed an additional thirty minutes to complete their comeback.
Barcelona was barely recognisable as a team against Sevilla, keeping in mind their topsy-turvy run this season. The team came out on top against all odds when the football community considered the tie done and dusted, thereby showing positive intent.
Ronald Koeman tweaked the formation a bit and it seemed to pay dividends for the Dutch gaffer. Here are two talking points from the Catalan club’s stunning victory against Sevilla –
Barcelona Talking Points From Win Over Sevilla
Team Morale
Marc Andre Ter Stegen’s penalty save in the second half was a turning point in the fixture. The German’s crucial save lifted the team morale and Barcelona had only one aim in mind post that. The introduction of Moriba and Griezmann also seemed to work in Koeman’s favour. Gerard Pique was hobbling on the pitch for around 15 minutes despite picking up a serious injury, showing his commitment and responsibility toward the side. The team refused to accept defeat and it paid off in the end.
Fighting Spirt
The team showed commendable fighting spirit and the Gerard Pique equaliser was a testament to it. It was almost a given that Barcelona would progress to the finals once Sevilla were reduced to ten men. Barcelona kept knocking at the Sevilla goal time and again. Barcelona should use this thrilling victory as a launchpad to end the season on a positive note. The victory has given Barcelona a fresh shot at aiming for the Primera Division title. Even though a comeback against Paris Saint-Germain seems unlikely, the Cules have created an aura around the team which might make things difficult for the Parisians.
