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Sevilla 2-0 Barcelona: The champions stumble

Harry Kettle in Editorial, La Liga 24 Jan 2019

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Barcelona have had a vice-like grip on the Copa del Rey trophy for four years now, and in that time they’ve certainly been able to earn their place on the throne. Alas, while the past may favour them the present certainly isn’t on their side, as the reigning champions were defeated 2-0 in their quarter final first leg against Sevilla.

The favourites fall

Sevilla themselves have had a strong season thus far, and they certainly seem to be hellbent on picking up some silverware this season. That’ll be easier said than done, of course, but it’s not like they’re strangers to success in cup competitions. After all, their recent history in the Europa League has been one of the shining accomplishments for Spanish football on the European stage.

There probably should’ve been some warning signs from the word go in this one, with Lionel Messi being rested for Barca. As a result Kevin-Price Boateng started the game, before being replaced later on by Suarez. It was a relatively uneventful first half either way, but early in the second, things came to life in a big way.

Backs against the wall

Pablo Sarabia smashed home a nice cross to give the home side the advantage early in the second half, and from that point on they just seemed to dictate the pace of play. Wissam Ben Yedder poked in a second, meaning that Barca have some serious work to do in the return leg.

Barcelona’s next game will be a visit to take on Girona, whereas Sevilla will host Levante.

Match Report

Sevilla: Soriano (7.5), Mercado (7), Kjaer (7), Gomez (6.5), Amadou (6.5), Navas (7), Andre Silva (N/A), Sarabia (7.5), Vazquez (N/A), Banega (6.5), Escudero (6.5), Lopes (N/A), Promes (6.5), Ben Yedder (7.5)

Barcelona: Cillessen (6.5), Roberto (6), Pique (5.5), Lenglet (6), Semedo (6.5), Alba (N/A), Vidal (6.5), Rakitic (6), Ramos de Oliveira Melo (6), Malcom (5.5), Coutinho (6), Boateng (6), Suarez (6), Alena (6)

Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande

Goals: Sarabia, Ben Yedder

Yellow Cards: Gomez, Alba

Red Cards: N/A

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Harry Kettle


Harry is a University of Worcester graduate who has been writing professionally for the last two years. He specialises in several sports such as MMA, pro wrestling and athletics, with football being his primary love. He continues to dream of a life in the Premier League as a Wolves fan.

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