News
SUN 28.02.2016
Woodwork
Barcelona took the game to Sevilla and hit the woodwork twice early on. A Leo Messi corner to the near post was headed against the upright by a Sevilla defender. The rebound flew to the edge of the area from where Luis Suarez crashed a shot against the crossbar.
Sevilla counter-attack
Sevilla silenced the home crowd with a counter-attack that caught out the home defence. Benoit Tremoulinas crossed from the left and an unmarked Vitolo volleyed in at the back post. It was the midfielder’s second Liga BBVA goal this season and raised the prospect of the Andalusians upsetting Luis Enrique’s side’s unbeaten run. They were the last side to beat them, 2-1 in the league back in October.
Messi stunner
When Barça won a freekick on the edge of the area, Messi stepped up to take it and he struck a stunning shot into the far top corner, leaving Sergio Rico helpless. The Argentine moved on to 16 Liga BBVA goals for the season.
Flurry of chances
The second half started with a flurry of chances. First Neymar drew a smart save from Sergio Rico, but the Sevilla keeper was helpless to stop Gerard Pique’s strike soon after. Messi and Suarez combined and the Uruguayan fired low across the face of goal. Pique turned the ball in from close range for his first goal in the Liga BBVA this season.
Bravo save
Barça’s famed attacking trident perhaps leaves goalkeeper Claudio Bravo in the shade, but he certainly made an impact after Pique’s goal. Kevin Gameiro was put clean through on goal and Bravo pulled off a crucial save to maintain the hosts’ lead. His opposite number also made some importnat saves but Unai Emery's men were unable to find a way past Bravo. Barça stayed eight points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid, who beat third-placed Real Madrid 1-0 on Saturday.
© LALIGA - 2016