Barcelona vs Sevilla: Five talking points

Barcelona came from behind to win 2 – 1 against Sevilla in a tightly fought encounter yesterday night, thus bouncing back from their Champions League loss to Milan with a win, although it was an unconvincing showing from the Blaugrana. For Sevilla, it was a case of what could have been, as their thoughts of having done enough to earn at least a point against the league leaders were dashed in the second half of the game, leaving Unai Emery visibly disappointed. Here are five talking points from the game.

The Alberto Botia goal

Alberto Botia (extreme right) in action verses Barcelona

In spite of all that will be claimed about Sevilla parking the bus against Barca and grabbing a goal with a rare opportunity up front, the first goal of the game was actually very well worked. A free kick from the left flank was directed towards the right one by Ivan Rakitic, where it was gathered in well by Coke, before being crossed onto the head of Botia in the Barcelona box. The defender’s header was into the ground, but was directed well enough to be out of reach of Valdes, who could seemingly have done a bit more about it than he did. Yet, it was more of a comment on Barca’s defence than anything else that the goal wasn’t much of surprise, and treated as something anticipated and feared.

The David Villa goal

David Villa of FC Barcelona scores his team’s first goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla

A goal from David Villa was almost as surprising to the scantly regular striker himself as it was to audiences around the world, with his reaction being one of someone who did not know whether to really celebrate or not, and restricting himself to a grateful-looking smile instead. It was a fairly simple one as well, being one of the few instances of defensive indiscipline by the visitors, and only required the Spaniard to cushion a header past Beto off a cross from Dani Alves. The lack of pressure on him only made it that much more easier for Villa and gave Barca a foothold in the game.

The Messi goal

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC

In a much improved performance than in the game against Milan, Messi returned to the score sheet in a move that he was involved in from start to end. Substitute Cristian Tello was the other player involved in the move, receiving a pass from Messi, and crossing it well enough to the Argentine’s feet once he had shaken off his marker. The rest was again fairly simple for someone of Messi’s caliber, as a simple side-footed finish gave Barcelona the lead from what was one of very few clear-cut chances for them.

Cracks at the back for Barcelona

Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona heads the ball towards goal under a challenge by Federico Fazio of Sevilla FC

As against Milan, Barca’s defensive frailties were on display for one and all to see, as repeated incursions from the like of Jesus Navas saw the home side’s defence scramble to pick up their responsibilities, often managing to do so at the last moment, and surviving close calls. The need for full-backs to push forward in order to provide width to the game left the flanks open to attack yet again, but the introduction of Tello as an out-and-out winger helped matters to a considerable extent. Victor Valdes, a few brave people might venture to say, looks more disinterested with every passing game now that his future lies elsewhere, and may need a good talking to from the management at the club.

Woeful finishing up front for Sevilla

Alvaro Negredo reacts

The only reason Barcelona recorded a win yesterday night, in spite of their wobbly defending, was that the finishing from the Sevilla attackers was even worse. Alvaro Negredo, for example, sent his effort over the bar when put through on goal, while Ivan Rakitic failed to hit the goal in the lateral dimension by sending his shot wide from a golden chance. Thus all the running from Navas and Raktic himself came to nothing on a fair few occasions and left Sevilla with no one but themselves to blame for yet another loss this season.