FC Barcelona got back to winning ways with a 2-1 win over Sevilla to keep the pressure on the other contenders fighting for the La Liga title. The hosts, Sevilla started brilliantly and were rewarded by a Vitolo goal as Jorge Sampaoli's men went ahead early in the first half. Sevilla were going into the first half with a 1-0 lead, but a certain Lionel Messi had some other ideas as he scored just three minutes from half time.
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The second half was a different story to the first as the Catalans started imposing themselves as chances began to arrive from left, right and centre. Luis Suarez finally broke his duck against Sevilla and scored the winner after an assist from Messi. The loss resulted in Sevilla falling to the fifth spot in the table and are now are six points behind toppers, Real Madrid. Let's take a look at the five talking points from a thrilling encounter which took place at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium:
1. Lionel Messi was on an altogether level than the others:
Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli exclaimed before the match that there should be two Ballon d'Ors given every year with one being reserved for Lionel Messi. “ One for Messi and one for everybody else " he declared and the Argentine showed just why his adulation knows no bounds from the opposition camp. Lionel Messi has now scored 27 goals in 29 games against Sevilla. Firstly, it was the goal which was scored brilliantly after some excellent work by Neymar. Messi shot with a deft touch for which Sevilla's custodian, Sergio Rico had no answer.
In the second half, he was even better as he regularly terrorised Sevilla defenders. On one occasion, he dribbled past four to five Sevilla players but shot just inches over the crossbar whereas, on another time, another brilliant run saw him laying up to Luis Suarez for Barcelona's winner. His night came to an end in an anti-climax way as he was booked for leaving the field slowly after being fouled by Steven N'zonzi.
#2 Sevilla should have scored at least one more in the first half
Sevilla started the game brilliantly as the Catalans had no answers for them in the first 40 minutes. The Europa League winners had a number of chances to put the game to bed but failed to do so which enabled Barcelona to crawl back into the match. Samir Nasri returning from an injury was brilliant in the first half as he created many opportunities but Sevilla could not capitalise on it.
Chances came thick and fast which left Jorge Sampaoli frustrated on the touchline as Lionel Messi equalized just before half time which changed the momentum going into the break. If Sevilla had scored yet another goal which they deserved from their brilliant start, the end result could have been very different.
#3 Sergi Roberto is not the 'right' back solution
Barcelona would not have thought that replacing Dani Alves would become such a difficult task. A bright prospect from the academy was seen as a perfect replacement for the Brazilian who had good physique coupled with a midfielder's mind but has come under constant criticism. Sergi Roberto has failed to win any of his detractors as yet another average performance from him was the last thing that he had wanted.
He had done brilliantly in his new role but since the past month or so has failed to justify his selection ahead of the outcast, Aleix Vidal. He was disastrous against Manchester City and should have done better for Vitolo's opener last night. A few games on the bench might be what the youngster needs at this moment.
#4 Sevilla will be in the reckoning for the top spots
Jorge Sampaoli took over the reigns from Unai Emery and has made an already strong side even tougher to beat this season. This was the first game that Sevilla lost at home and Sampaoli's high pressing, possession-loving team is producing the desired results until now. They are just six points behind Real, and this just might be the season that a team can challenge the might of the two powerhouses of world football and Atletico Madrid.
If Leicester City can achieve the impossible, Sevilla are a far safer bet than the Foxes. The likes of Diego Simeone and Luis Enrique have already described Sevilla as title contenders, and this side might challenge for a spot at the top of the table this season.
#5 Barcelona suffering in midfield without Andres Iniesta
Without Gerrard Pique and Jordi Alba, it was expected that the Catalans would suffer in defence, but the absence of Iniesta has done the most damage to them. Luis Enrique played Dennis Suarez against Sevilla, but he was not at his usual self in the first half as he was run past and beaten far too easily. Sevilla completely dominated Barca's midfield, and so was the case against Manchester City where Andre Gomes started with the likes of Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic.
Arda Turan and Rafinha have also been utilised in midfield but have not given the desired output. Dennis Suarez improved in the second half against Sevilla which shows that he maybe will be able to fill Iniesta's shows if he gets a proper run of games consistently.
