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Barcelona made a massive statement in the La Liga title race earlier today with a convincing 2-0 victory against top-four rivals Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium. The Catalan giants are only two points behind Atletico Madrid in the La Liga standings and will be intent on building a streak of victories in the coming weeks.
Sevilla's title credentials have suffered a massive blow as a result of this defeat and Julen Lopetegui will likely redirect his efforts towards a top-four finish. Barcelona were the dominant force in this fixture and were able to dictate terms to a surprisingly under-par Sevilla outfit.
Barcelona created several chances against Sevilla
Barcelona and Sevilla exchanged a few jabs in the opening stages of the match and engaged in an intriguing battle of wits on the pitch. Barcelona's new formation proved effective against Sevilla's tactical set-up and the Catalans did fashion a few chances in the first half-hour.
Barcelona managed to break the deadlock in the first half as Lionel Messi's pinpoint pass found Ousmane Dembele in space and the Frenchman made no mistake with his finish. The first half ended in a series of ill-tempered clashes as both teams vied for dominance.
Barcelona started the second half strongly and Jordi Alba nearly doubled his side's lead after a counter involving Ousmane Dembele and Frenkie de Jong. Sergino Dest was heavily involved in Barcelona's attacks and struck the post with a commendable effort.
Sevilla's poor start to the second half prompted Julen Lopetegui to ring the changes at the hour-mark. The Andalusians improved after the substitutions and gave Barcelona a series of scares.
Lionel Messi was in no mood to sit back and defend, however, and put the game to bed with an excellent goal towards the end of the game. Barcelona were impressive for most of the game and picked up a crucial victory in the context of the La Liga title race.
Sevilla Player Ratings
Yassine Bounou - 5.5/10
Yassine Bounou did his best to prevent Barcelona's first goal but was unable to stop Dembele's pointed finish. The Sevilla shot-stopper could have done better to save Lionel Messi's goal, however, and will want to be back to his best on Wednesday.
Diego Carlos - 5.5/10
Diego Carlos was involved in several tussles with Lionel Messi in the first half and earned himself a yellow card. The Sevilla defender was replaced by Karim Rekik after half-time.
Jules Kounde - 6/10
Jules Kounde did have a few nervous moments against Barcelona but used his pace and agility to catch up with the likes of Dembele. The centre-back played the French winger onside for Barcelona's first goal and will be intent on making amends in the Copa del Rey.
Sergio Escudero - 6.5/10
Sergio Escudero was one of the best Sevilla players on the pitch against Barcelona and did his best to thwart the Catalans' persistent attacks. The left-back picked up a yellow card for one of his feisty tackles and played his heart out on the pitch.
Jesus Navas - 6/10
Jesus Navas did have his troubles against Jordi Alba but was able to hold his own against his compatriot. The Spaniard did have a shot on goal but was not particularly influential throughout the game.
Fernando - 5/10
Fernando had a difficult game against Lionel Messi and found it difficult to track Barcelona's runs in the midfield. The Brazilian midfielder was booked for a series of challenges and was well below his best.
Joan Jordan - 6/10
Joan Jordan made a few important challenges for Sevilla in the midfield and his tenacity helped the Andalusians in the first half. The midfielder was visibly tired towards the end of the game and received a yellow card for a challenge on Lionel Messi.
Ivan Rakitic - 5/10
The former Barcelona midfielder was mediocre for Sevilla and struggled to come to terms with the Catalans' fluid movement. Ivan Rakitic was unable to thwart Messi and De Jong and was taken off at the hour-mark.
Alejandro Gomez - 4/10
Alejandro Gomez was virtually invisible for most of his time on the pitch and was unable to exert his creative influence against Barcelona. Sevilla's newly-signed maestro did not make much of an impact and was taken off in the second half.
Munir El Haddadi - 6/10
Munir El Haddadi put in a good shift against his former club and often won the ball back in dangerous positions for Sevilla. The forward did not threaten Barcelona's goal, however, and was unable to complete the match.
Luuk de Jong - 5/10
Luuk de Jong did not have a good game against Barcelona and was not able to influence proceedings during his time on the field. The Sevilla striker was offside on several occasions and was ineffective against the Catalan defence.
Substitutes
Karim Rekik - 5.5/10
Karim Rekik replaced Diego Carlos in the second half and had several moments of uncertainty against Barcelona's forwards. The defender was one of several Sevilla players to be booked in today's game.
Oscar Rodriguez - 6.5/10
Oscar Rodriguez made an immediate impact after his introduction and troubled Barcelona with his guile in the final third. The midfielder was creative with his passing but was unable to produce a final product.
Youssef En-Nesyri - 7/10
Youssef En-Nesyri tormented Barcelona's defence during his time on the pitch and is set to start in Sevilla's Copa del Rey fixture. The powerful striker found the back of the net but his goal was ruled out for a handball during the build-up.
Oliver Torres - 6/10
Oliver Torres improved Sevilla's gameplay after his introduction in the second half but was unable to threaten Barcelona's goal.
Suso - 6/10
Suso was brought on to add a cutting edge to Sevilla's attacking play but did not create chances of note for his side in the final third.
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Barcelona Player Ratings
Marc-Andre ter Stegen - /10
Marc-Andre ter Stegen had surprisingly little to do against Sevilla and was effective for Barcelona with his ball distribution. The German shot-stopper did make a few regulation-saves in the second half and had a comfortable game.
Gerard Pique - 7/10
Gerard Pique played his fourth game in 12 days for Barcelona and put in an impressive shift against a strong Sevilla side. The Catalan centre-back marshalled his troops with confidence and was given a well-deserved rest in the second half.
Clement Lenglet - 6.5/10
Clement Lenglet has been severely criticised in recent weeks and stepped up with a reliable performance against Sevilla. The French defender did have a few tense moments on the ball but managed to thwart most of his opponents' attacks.
Oscar Mingueza - 6.5/10
Oscar Mingueza held his own against Sevilla's impressive attack and ventured into attacking areas on several occasions. The Catalan defender was reliable with his recoveries and had a positive outing.
Jordi Alba - 7/10
Jordi Alba dominated the left flank for Barcelona and was a constant thorn in Sevilla's side. The pacy defender nearly got on to the scoresheet in the second half and was impressive for the Catalans.
Sergino Dest - 8/10
Sergino Dest has shown steady improvement since the start of the season and produced one of his best performances in a Barcelona shirt against Sevilla. The right-back slammed his effort into the post in the second half and troubled the Andalusians with his pace and tenacity.
Sergio Busquets - 7.5/10
Sergio Busquets was back to his unassuming best for Barcelona and quietly orchestrated the Catalans' domination in this fixture. The veteran midfielder won possession on several occasions and had one of his best games this season.
Frenkie de Jong - 8/10
Frenkie de Jong was crucial to Barcelona's domination against Sevilla and his ability to hold the ball under pressure gave the Catalans a cutting edge in the midfield. The Dutchman created several opportunities for his teammates and had an excellent game.
Pedri - 7/10
Pedri had yet another impressive game for Barcelona and his fluidity and tenacity gave Sevilla several problems in the middle of the pitch. The youngster suffered a knock in the second half and was taken off for Ilaix Moriba.
Ousmane Dembele - 8/10
Ousmane Dembele was played in a largely central role against Sevilla and displayed an excellent turn of pace to score Barcelona's goal in the first half. The French speedster created several chances for the Blaugrana and had an excellent game.
Lionel Messi - 8.5/10
Lionel Messi seems to be nearing his peak this season and was instrumental to Barcelona's victory against Sevilla. The Argentine talisman threaded the needle to create Ousmane Dembele's goal and displayed exemplary ball control to double Barcelona's lead towards the end of the match.
Substitutes
Ronald Araujo - 6.5/10
Ronald Araujo was impressive during his time on the pitch but seems to have suffered a relapse of his ankle injury. The Uruguayan was replaced by Samuel Umtiti towards the end of the game.
Ilaix Moriba - 7.5/10
Ilaix Moriba replaced Pedri in the second half and showed the fanbase why he is highly regarded by La Masia's coaches. The youngster bagged his first La Liga assist with a delightful touch for Lionel Messi's goal and gave a good account of himself.
Samuel Umtiti - 6/10
Samuel Umtiti was a late replacement for the injured Ronald Araujo and put in a good shift alongside Clement Lenglet against Sevilla.
Martin Braithwaite - 6/10
Martin Braithwaite came on for Ousmane Dembele towards the end of the game and was unable to make much of an impact for Barcelona.
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