A 90-Minute Fight: FC Barcelona Versus Sevilla Result And What We Learned

At the Camp Nou on Sunday, FC Barcelona faced Sevilla in La Liga. Here’s the result, what happened and what we learned from the tie.

Ronald Araujo was the only big change in Ronald Koeman’s line up

Due to a suspension imposed on Clement Lenglet. Apart from that, the starting XI was unchanged from the gutsy 0-3 road win at Celta Vigo last Thursday.

The young Uruguayan wasn’t feeling any nerves

As could be seen from this prematch golazo reproduced below. Sent off after 16 minutes when brought on against these very same visitors this time last year, the center back still had a point to prove, though.

The worst possible start

From a short corner, Suso and Joan Jordan played the ball around Blaugrana shirts and into the box so that the former could whip a curving cross in.

Bouncing perfectly into his path, the ball eventually reached Luuk de Jong, who smashed it into the roof of the net past Neto.

For the first time in the Koeman era, Barcelona were a goal down.

The lead didn’t last long

Lionel Messi’s cross was delicious. And though it was certainly on its way to reaching Jordi Alba, who would have easily played it into the Brazilian’s path, Jesus Navas intercepted but set up Philippe Coutinho in any event.

Shifting his body shape to fire into an almost empty Bono net, the number 14’s purple patch continues with a goal to match his two assists.

It was 1-1 already in just 10 minutes, and we had a game here.

A close scare for Barca approaching 20 minutes

Described perfectly by The Athletic’s Dermot Corrigan. The Europa League winners are good, and this looked like it might be the “90-minute fight” Koeman had predicted.

Antoine Griezmann had a good chance

Turning Diego Carlos inside out, the Frenchman came close with his toe poke that despite the help of Ansu Fati was almost entirely self-created. Had his first touch not been as heavy, Grizi might have given himself a more comfortable advantage.

Sevilla had been the better team thus far

This was an easy conclusion to make after half an hour down. Pressing well and keeping their shape when getting back in numbers, the Andalusians also looked dangerous on the counter attack with a mix of long passes from one wing to the other and short balls through the middle.

Frenkie de Jong got off lightly

Giving it away to Suso on the edge of the box, he also made contact with his opposite namesake when the ball came in. Yet to Julen Lopetegui’s protests, no penalty was given.

Leo Messi came close before the interval

Cutting in from the right wing, the skipper’s effort slipped past Bono’s far post and his first goal from open play this term remained elusive.

All square at the half

Barca weren’t performing particularly bad, but they were being outplayed on their own patch by a far more confident outfit.

Among the few highlights were Araujo, who gave off the air of a veteran at this level, and Coutinho, whose confidence goes from strength to strength.

But Koeman needed something or someone to turn the tides and break the opposition down in order to get ahead.

Griezmann’s low confidence becomes more evident

Another fantastic long ball from Araujo, which was almost a carbon copy of the one that had seen him find Fati earlier, put Griezmann through. However his poor close control again let the World Cup winner down. He needs a lift, ASAP, and might get it on duty for Les Bleus in the coming weeks.

Pedri and Francisco Trincao were again the double subs from Koeman

Brought on for Griezmann and Fati, the young pair entered the proceedings much earlier this time on the hour mark.

Araujo almost scored an own goal

Sergi Roberto beaten for pace, the ball across the box from Youssef En-Nesyri came off Araujo’s right foot and cracked the bar.

On the touchline, new signing Sergino Dest could be seen warming up alongside Miralem Pjanic.

Jordi Alba went off injured, allowing Dest to make his debut

Introduced with Pjanic as there were around 15 minutes to spare, this was a litmus test for both summer acquisitions. Dest especially, considering he is a natural right back yet had to provide cover on the opposite flank.

Busquets the winger, De Jong the striker

Deep into the second half, the pivot connection brought about Barca’s best chance but the Netherlands star could not get his shot on target when Busquets found him at close quarters.

A point each

At the conclusion of an action-packed evening, sharing the spoils was probably a fair outcome. Barca on top in the closing stages, they could not capitalize on a flurry of chances and head to the international break in fifth while three points behind leaders Real Madrid with a game in hand.