Although it seems as if Barcelona were heading for another draw after their draw against Mallorca during the week but an own goal from Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos changed the narrative for the Blaugrana. Barcelona started the game on a strong side with series of attacks and threats against the Rojiblancos but Sevilla didn’t just sit back and let Barcelona play. They also had threats against the Barcelona defense and goalkeeper.
A shot from outside the box (15 yards out) from ex Barcelona player Ivan Rakitic to test his close friend Ter Stegen. But the German international could only punch the ball and lead to a corner for Sevilla. Sevilla kept pushing forward looking for a goal but none came as several saves were made by Marc Andrea Ter Stegen.
Barcelona chance came in the 12 minute when a shot by Joao Felix was saved. Felix had another chance after being set up by Joao Cancelo in the 21st minute but he could only find the crossbar within 5 yards of the post.
A clearance was made by Gavi as the Sevilla players attacked. He could only use his body to shield the ball away from goal. Raphinha had his chance as Joao Cancelo picked him out from his own half of the field but he could only control his shot in tho the palms of the goalkeeper.
Barcelona suffered a major setback as Raphinha developed a hamstring injury in the 34th minute and had to be replaced by Fermin Lopez and four minutes later, Lamine Yamal picked him out inside the box. He controlled the pass beautifully but failed to place a firm shot and was saved by the goalkeeper.
Barcelona goal game in the 76th minute as Ferran Torres made a cross to find Lamine Yamal who headed the ball down trying to find a teammate but instead found Sergio Ramos leg and the ball rolled into goal beating the goal keeper. This goal keeps Barcelona 2nd in the table and just one points away from league leaders Real Madrid.
PLAYERS RATING
1. TER STEGEN 8.5/10
He made series of saves to keep Barcelona in the game. It was an outstanding performance from the Barcelona captain.
2. JULES KOUNDE 8/10
Unarguably Barcelona best player and defender this season. The France international has not been dribbled past this season. He made a couple of clearance for the Blaugrana.
3. CHRISTENSEN 7.5/10
His pairing with Jules Kounde is one every Barcelona fans has enjoyed so far this season. They keep the back line in check against threats from opposition.
4. ALEJANDRO BALDE 7.4/10
Alejandro Balde had a great game defending the attacks from the left flank and he was dangerous going forward. His crosses has improved but no one upfront could bury the chances he created.
5. JOAO CANCELO 8.5/10
Joao Cancelo was the only player to create lot of chances for the Blaugrana. He made series of runs and dribble and a lot of dangerous cross into the box. He was outstanding in the game.
6. GAVI 7.8/10
Gavi was the heart of the team. He was literally everywhere playing with everything he had. From defending, to keeping the tempo in the midfield and to starting attacks for Barcelona.
7. RAPHINHA 6.7/10
He was fluent with his play until an injury hit him in the 34th minute of the game and had to be subbed out and replaced with Fermin Lopez
8. GUNDOGAN 7.5/10
Picked up a yellow card along the game but was a maestro in the midfield.
9. JOAO FELIX 7.2/10
His pace and dribbling abilities was vital in the game and he hit the crossbar once and saw his other shot saved by the Orjan Nyland.
10. LAMINE YAMAL 7.5/10
At the beginning of the game, he lost possession of the ball easily but as time went by, he ease into the game creating scoring chances for his team and also his header lead to the own goal by Sergio Ramos. He received a standing ovation when he was subbed out in the 82nd minute of the game.
11. LEWANDOWSKI 6.8/10
We didn’t see much of Lewandowski in the game but although he had one big chance missed during the game.
12. FERMIN LOPEZ 7.5/10
Aside from Gavi, he was the talk of the game. His brilliant ability to control the ball from midfield and transform it into attack was beautiful. An outstanding performance from the youngsters and with Frenkie De Jong injured and Raphinha, we might see more of the youngster.
13. FERRAN TORRES 6.9/10
His cross to pick your Lamine Yamal leading to goal was good. Apart from that, he wasn’t on the ball much after coming on for Joao Felix in the 71st minute of the game.
14. ORIOL ROMEU 6.5/10
He replaced the wonder kid Lamine Yamal in the 82nd minute.
What are your thoughts concerning the game?