Barcelona welcomed Sevilla to Camp Nou on Sunday looking to stretch their lead at the top of La Liga to eight points.
It was Sevilla that took a 20th-minute lead through Vitolo, but Barcelona were level in the 31st minute when Lionel Messi found the top corner from a free kick.
The hosts then took the lead early in the second period through Gerard Pique and that is where the scoring finished as Barcelona recorded their ninth straight win in the league.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome Sevilla. It is 33 matches and almost five months since Barcelona suffered defeat in any competition, but that loss came against their opponents tonight. Sevilla will be looking to complete the league double over Luis Enrique's side, but it will be very difficult against a machine that just keeps on rolling!
Saturday's Madrid derby at the Bernabeu, which pitted third-place Real Madrid and against second-place Atletico Madrid, saw the away side come out on top. Victory for Atletico strengthened their grip on second, but they are still five points behind Barcelona, who now have a game in hand. As for Sevilla, they remain fifth in the table and are 11 points off Villarreal in the race for fourth position.
Sevilla might have beaten Barcelona 2-1 when the two teams met at the Estadio Ramon earlier this season, but the Europa League holders have not won away at Barcelona in the league for over 10 years. That particular success (3-0) came back in 2002 and since then, Barcelona have gone 12 home games in a row without defeat against Sevilla – winning an impressive 10 times in the process.
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Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Camp Nou. Both of these sides were in European action during the week, but Barcelona, who played Wednesday, had one more day to recover. Who have Luis Enrique and Unai Emery selected here...
TEAMS:
BARCA: Bravo; Vidal, Pique, Mathieu, Alba; Roberto, Busquets, Turan; Neymar, Suarez, Messi
SEVILLA: Rico; Coke, Rami, Kolo, Tremoulinas; N'Zonzi, Iborra, Cristoforo; Krohn-Dehli, Gameiro, Vitolo
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has rung the changes from the Arsenal match, with Claudio Bravo, Aleix Vidal, Jeremy Mathieu, Sergi Roberto and Arda Turan all coming into the XI. Ivan Rakitic, Andres Iniesta and Javier Mascherano are among those that drop to the bench, but unluckily for Sevilla, there is no respite for Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez or Neymar as they continue in a three-pronged attack!
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As for Sevilla, head coach Unai Emery has also made a number of changes from the team that lost at Molde in the Europa League on Thursday. In fact, only Timothee Kolodziejczak and Vicente Iborra keep their places in the XI. Kevin Gameiro returns to lead the attack, while Michael Krohn-Dehli and Steven N'Zonzi are also selected. There is also a surprise start for the young Uruguayan Sebastian Cristoforo.
So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now little under 40 minutes from kickoff on this warm evening in Barcelona. As mentioned, both sides will enter this match off the back of European fixtures. On Wednesday, Barcelona recorded a 2-0 win at Arsenal in the first leg of their last-16 clash in the Champions League, before Sevilla lost 1-0 at Molde in the Europa League on Thursday. The Spanish side still progressed from their last-32 tie, however, with an aggregate score of 3-1.
Incredibly, Barcelona have won 18 of their last 20 La Liga games at Camp Nou, remaining unbeaten in the process. This season, they have recorded 20 wins from their 25 league matches, drawing three times and losing twice. That record has seen them collect 63 points and entering Week 26, they had opened up an eight-point lead over second-place Atletico, which now stands at five.
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The Catalan outfit were far from their best away to Las Palmas in the league last weekend, but a 2-1 victory saw them make it eight successive victories in Spain's top flight. After this one, they will face Rayo Vallecano, Eibar and Getafe and in all honesty, it is difficult to see where their next defeat is coming from and that applies not just in the league. On March 16, they will welcome Arsenal to this stadium looking to book their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League once again.
As mentioned, it is now 33 matches since Barcelona were last beaten in any competition. That is a record that stretches back to October 4, when they lost 2-1 at Sevilla in the league. Since then, they have won the Club World Cup, opened up a healthy lead in La Liga, advanced to the Copa del Rey final and put one foot in the last eight of the European Cup. It has all gone pretty well for Luis Enrique!
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Messi scored twice against Arsenal on Wednesday to take his season tally to 29 in 32 appearances. Suarez and Neymar – Messi's partners in crime – have 41 and 23 goals respectively to their names this season, meanwhile. Suarez is actually the leading scorer in the league (25) as things stand and has also provided the most assists (12). It is difficult to put into words how good the trio have been this season.
As for Sevilla, not only have they not won away to Barcelona since 2002, Emery's side are currently on a 12-game winless run away from home in the league. That said, they have only been beaten in once in all competitions - away to Molde last week - since the start of January, which is a run that stretches 15 matches. Their last defeat in the league came against Granada on January 3.
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Sevilla, who will meet Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, were held to a 2-2 draw at Rayo Vallecano last weekend, however, which saw them fail to close the gap on fourth-place Villarreal. As it stands, Emery's team are fifth in La Liga – 11 points off Villarreal, who have been very impressive throughout the campaign and are the strong favourites to secure fourth spot. In truth, fourth might well be gone.
The goals have not exactly flowed for Sevilla this season, with the Andalusian side only netting 36 times in their 25 league matches. They have only shipped 26 down the other end, however, which is a strong record at this stage. Eleven wins, eight draws and six defeats have presented Sevilla with a points total of 41 with 13 matches of the campaign remaining. It has been a solid season to date.
This match marks what is a very tough run of games for Sevilla leading into the middle of next month. Next up is a home game against Eibar, who have been impressive this season, before they travel to struggling Getafe on March 5. Then comes back-to-back games against Villarreal and Real Madrid and they will also have a Europa League last-16 tie to think about in March - busy times!
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PREDICTION! Sevilla are a very good team and will cause Barcelona some problems in this match, but I am struggling to back against Luis Enrique's side, especially in this stadium. I do not think it will be comprehensive by any stretch of the imagination, but for me, Barcelona will win this 2-0.
A reminder of the two teams for this match...
BARCA: Bravo; Vidal, Pique, Mathieu, Alba; Roberto, Busquets, Turan; Neymar, Suarez, Messi
SEVILLA: Rico; Coke, Rami, Kolo, Tremoulinas; N'Zonzi, Iborra, Cristoforo; Krohn-Dehli, Gameiro, Vitolo
KICKOFF! Here we go then - the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Can Sevilla make it a league double over Barcelona this season? Be sure to stick with me to find out. It is the home side that get the first 45 minutes of action underway here...
... you just get the feeling that Sevilla will need to get through the opening 15, 20 minutes here without conceding if they are to stand a chance of securing a positive result. As expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the early moments and they are building down the left.
Super feet from Neymar as the Brazilian turns away from two defenders before feeding Messi, who delivers towards the far post, but Sergio Rico hangs in the air before collecting the ball. Sevilla continue to shuffle across the field as they attempt to close the space which Barcelona are seeking here.
Suarez, Messi and Neymar combine in the final third and the latter attempts to deceive Coke inside the Sevilla box, but the right-back stands strong to make the challenge. Down the other end, Gameiro is almost put away by Vitolo, but Mathieu steps across to prevent the counter-attack.
CHANCE! The first chance of the match falls to Sevilla as N'Zonzi's header drops to Kolo inside the Barcelona box, but the centre-back can only fire over the crossbar! Should have scored!
Just a reminder that a win for Barcelona tonight would take the Catalan side eight points clear of second-place Atletico Madrid and 12 clear of Real Madrid, who sit third. It will not be straight-forward, however, and Sevilla have shown that they have come to Camp Nou to attack tonight.
Sevilla are frustrating Barcelona at the moment with a period of possession, which is exactly what they need at this stage of the contest. Gamiero, meanwhile, is causing problems in the attack.
SAVE! First sight of the Sevilla goal for Barcelona as Vidal slides a pass into Suarez, but the striker cannot beat Rico from a wide angle. The home side will resume with a corner...
WOODWORK(S)! Barcelona hit the woodwork twice in quick succession. First, Messi's corner smashes off the post, before Suarez hits the crossbar with a rasping strike! Good grief!
Barcelona break away on the counter, but Neymar is all alone in the final third. The Brazilian takes on Coke, but eventually runs into traffic and Rico can collect with relative ease. Sevilla attempt to get things moving down the other end, but Pique steps across to regain the ball for the home side.
Neymar is full of beans tonight as he combines with Turan before driving towards the box once again, but Coke, who is having a good game thus far, comes across to clear for a dead ball.
GOAL! Barcelona 0-1 Sevilla (Vitolo)
Oh my word! Sevilla take the lead in the 20th minute as Krohn-Dehli beats the offside trap before feeding Tremoulinas, who picks out Vitolo and the Spaniard volleys home from inside the box!
Sevilla have not won away in the league this season, but they have something to hold onto in this match. That said, there is still a lot of football to be played at Camp Nou before the night is out.
Sevilla gain some respite as the offside flag is raised following another period of Barcelona possession. Moments before, Rico had to be quick off his line to clear a through pass.
I am finding it hard to imagine Barcelona not scoring at least once in this match, but Sevilla are more than capable of registering another on the counter-attack. Messi goes down inside the Sevilla box and the home supporters want a penalty, but the referee is not too interested. Dangerous from Tremoulinas!
Sevilla attempt to work another shooting chance inside the Barcelona box, but Krohn-Dehli slips at the vital moment and the home side break down the other end - Vidal delivers into the danger area, but Rami is on hand to clear. End-to-end football with 29 minutes on the clock at Camp Nou.
BOOKING! Rami (Sevilla) is booked for a rash challenge on Suarez.
Barcelona free kick in a very dangerous area here...
... GOAL! Barcelona 1-1 Sevilla (Messi)
It is just too good from Messi, what a special goal that is. The Argentine approaches the free kick and just whips the ball into the far corner. It is a stunning equaliser from this genius of a player!
Sevilla, who have been very impressive in this first period, continue to threaten and Vitolo decides to have a go from outside the box, but Mathieu gets his frame in the way to clear the ball behind.
Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining and it must be said that this first 36 minutes has just flown past. We have seen two excellent goals and two teams in wonderful form. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in terms of the final outcome here.
SAVE! Barcelona regain the ball high up the pitch and Neymar slides one into Messi, but the Argentine cannot beat Rico from a wide angle. Smart goalkeeping there!
Gameiro threatens to run away from Alba down the right, but the Barcelona left-back has wonderful pace and gets back to make the challenge. Sevilla just need to be a little bit careful at the moment as Coke dives into the back of Neymar, who hits the deck pretty hard. No booking though.
Pass, pass, pass from Barcelona as they look for a second goal before the break here.
CHANCE! Messi has another sight of goal for the home side after a slick passing move involving Suarez, but Vitolo is across at the vital moment to make the clearance!
Neymar hits the deck holding his shoulder, but seems fit to continue here.
Messi has another strike from a wide angle deflected wide of the post.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 1-1 Sevilla
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 1-1. Sevilla took a 20th-minute lead through Vitolo, who volleyed home from inside the box, but Barcelona were back on terms in the 31st minute when Messi found the top corner with a stunning free kick. It has been a very close and well-contested opening 45 minutes at Camp Nou tonight.
STATS! Barcelona have dominated the possession with 71%, while they have hit the target with three of their eight attempts. The Sevilla woodwork was also been rattled by Messi and Suarez in that first period. As for the visitors, they have managed two shots on target from five attempts.
BENCH WATCH! Barcelona have an embarrassment of riches on their bench tonight, with the likes of Iniesta, Rakitic, Alves and Munir all available for Luis Enrique in the second period. Sevilla, meanwhile, have attacking options in the shape of Konoplyanka and Jose Antonio Reyes.
N'Zonzi had a very good first half for Sevilla...
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RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Sevilla hold out for a point here? Let's find out. It is the away side that resume the action here...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period develops at Camp Nou.
SAVE! More good goalkeeping from Rico as the Sevilla stopper keeps out Neymar, who had been picked out by a super cross from Roberto.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-1 Sevilla (Pique)
Barcelona take the lead for the first time in this match as Pique pokes home from close range after a super cross from Suarez, which was brilliantly disguised inside the box. Normal service resumed!
Sevilla just cannot afford to concede a third goal during his dominant spell for Barcelona, who are threatening to run away with it. The visitors manage to break away with Coke, but the skipper loses control at the vital moment and the opportunity evaporates. Still more goals in this game for me.
SAVE! Wonderful chance for Sevilla to level as Gameiro advances one-on-one with Bravo, but the Barcelona stopper stands tall to make a super save - really should have scored though!
SAVE! Rico keeps out Neymar down the other end after a mazy run!
You cannot take your eyes off this match at the moment as both teams continue to commit players in the final third. Barcelona do not look secure at the back in this match and Sevilla are aware.
SAVE! Rico flies across his goal to keep out Busquets this time!
BARCELONA SUB! Alves replaces Vidal for the home team.
Little over 30 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining and as it stands, Barcelona are set to move eight points clear at the top of the table. Victory would also move them 12 points clear of third-place Real Madrid, which would be incredible at this stage of the season. Sevilla are still in it though.
Krohn-Dehli lets the ball run across his body before having a go, but his effort is wide.
CLOSE! Tremoulinas is slow to react inside his own box and Roberto is on the scene with a powerful header towards goal, but his effort hits his own teammate Suarez!
SEVILLA SUB! Konoplyanka replaces Cristoforo for the away team.
BARCELONA SUB! Andres Iniesta replaces Turan for Barcelona.
Decent spell of pressure for Sevilla in the last couple of minutes, but they are finding it difficult to create clear chances. Vitolo manages to deliver a dangerous corner towards the far post, but Mathieu is on hand to make the clearance. Little under 25 minutes of football remaining here.
Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, which is what Barcelona would want at this stage and with this scoreline. You still sense that there is another goal in this one though.
Neymar is shoved to the ground inside the Sevilla box, but the referee is not interested. There did seem to be a little bit of contact from Rami, but not enough for the Brazilian to fall down.
BOOKING! Alves (Barcelona) is booked for a late challenge on Iborra.
Sevilla have the chance to threaten as Konoplyanka delivers a dangerous free kick into the Barcelona box, but Bravo gratefully claims following some nervy defending from the hosts.
CHANCE! Stunning chance for Suarez to score a third for Barcelona, but the striker cannot sort out his feet inside the Sevilla box and the ball drifts through to the waiting Rico.
BOOKING! Roberto (Barcelona) is booked for a late challenge on Konoplyanka.
SEVILLA SUB! Juan Munoz replaces Iborra for the away team.
BARCELONA SUB! Rakitic replaces Roberto for Barcelona.
Messi works a yard inside the Sevilla box, but his strike was always moving wide of the post.
BOOKING! Kolo (Sevilla) is booked for a tug on Suarez.
N'Zonzi breaks into the Barcelona box and looks to poke the ball towards the bottom corner, but it just deflects behind for a corner-kick. Still more than 10 minutes of this football match to play!
If Vitolo makes the next Spain squad, there might be an interesting chat with Pique waiting for him. The Sevilla midfielder has just dived inside the Barcelona box and Pique was not pleased!
Suarez sits Kolo on the deck, which draws Rico out of his goal, but the Barcelona striker cannot beat the goalkeeper from a wide position and it remains 2-1 with 83 minutes played here.
You just get the feeling that there is one last big chance in this match. Barcelona are in control of the possession, but Sevilla have a lot of pace and just need one breakaway to threaten.
Pique's goal is winning this at the moment...
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Mathieu hammers clear as Sevilla threaten with another high ball into the Barcelona box. The clearance actually puts the home side on the counter, but Neymar is squeezed out wide.
BOOKING! Pique (Barcelona) is booked for fouling Gameiro.
Sevilla have the chance to deliver into the Barcelona box from a free kick...
... Rakitic heads behind for a corner. Two additional minutes here.
Sevilla are putting the pressure on in the final moments here.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 2-1 Sevilla
So there we have it. It is now 34 games unbeaten for Barcelona, who have moved eight points clear at the top of La Liga courtesy of a 2-1 win over Sevilla. The Catalan outfit were far from their best, but got the job done. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action once again. Until next time!
