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Barcelona logo
La Liga
Apr 5, 2017 at 6.30pm UK
 
Sevilla logo

3-0

Suarez (25'), Messi (28', 33')
FT(HT: 3-0)

Vitolo (91')

Live Commentary: Barcelona 3-0 Sevilla - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole's live commentary of the La Liga clash between Barcelona and Sevilla from Camp Nou.
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Barcelona welcomed Sevilla to Camp Nou on Wednesday night knowing that a win would move them, at least temporarily, above Real Madrid to the top of La Liga.

A double from Lionel Messi and smart Luis Suarez finish saw Barcelona take a 3-0 lead into the interval.

Sevilla improved in the second period, but the visitors could not undo the damage from the opening 45 minutes as their poor run of form continued.

Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.


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Evening all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from Camp Nou as Spanish champions Barcelona welcome a Sevilla side that cannot seem to buy a win at the moment. Victory for Barcelona would see them temporarily move above Real Madrid to the summit, although Los Blancos would have the chance to return to the top against Leganes later tonight. Stay tuned for all of the action!

Barcelona came from behind to beat Sevilla 2-1 when the two teams met at the Estadio Ramon earlier this season, while the same scoreline occurred in the corresponding match last term. Sevilla have not actually won a La Liga match away to Barcelona since December 2002, which is an indication of the task facing a team that have reacted badly to their Champions League last-16 exit.

Indeed, since losing 2-0 at Leicester City in the last-16 stage of the Champions League on March 14, Sevilla have failed to win in the league. They suffered a 3-1 defeat at Atletico Madrid before the international break, and could only draw 0-0 at home to Sporting Gijon at the weekend. An impressive campaign up until this point is threatening to unravel for Jorge Sampaoli and his side.

Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Camp Nou. Both sides were in league action at the weekend – Sevilla drawing 0-0 with Sporting Gijon, and Barcelona winning 4-1 at Granada. Any changes from those two matches? Let's have a look...

Lionel Messi in action during the La Liga game between Barcelona and Real Madrid on December 3, 2016© SilverHub


TEAMS!

FCB: Ter Stegen; Mascherano, Pique, Umtiti; Roberto, Iniesta, Busquets, Rakitic; Neymar, Suarez, Messi

SEVILLA: Rico; Mariano, Mercado, Pareja, Lenglet, Escudero; Nasri, N'Zonzi, Iborra, Vitolo; Correa


The big team news for Barcelona is the return of Lionel Messi, who missed Saturday's 4-1 victory at Granada through suspension. Messi returns to the final third alongside Luis Suarez and Neymar, while Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti both come into what looks to be a three-man defence. Sergi Roberto and Ivan Rakitic are expected to operate in slightly wider midfield options, leaving Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta in the middle of the park. Another tactical change from head coach Luis Enrique.

As for Sevilla, Vicente Iborra is recalled to the middle of the park, while left-back Sergio Escudero is back in the team following a suspension. Gabriel Mercado has also been passed fit to start in what looks to be a three-man central defence, while Joaquin Correa will lead the line with support from Vitolo and Samir Nasri. It is a very much a defensive set-up for the visitors tonight.

So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this warm evening in Barcelona. I shall speak about Sevilla and their form a little bit later, but let's start with the home side. After winning 4-1 at Granada on Sunday night, the Spanish champions would move to the top of the table above Real Madrid if they can collect all the points in this match.

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique speaks to the media on December 5, 2016© SilverHub


As things stand, Enrique's side are two points behind the league leaders Real Madrid, who travel to Leganes later tonight. Los Blancos still have a game in hand, however, and that will become two after Barcelona finish here. The title is still very much in the hands of Real Madrid, but moving above Los Blancos, at least temporarily, would be a confidence-booster for the Catalan giants.

Barcelona's title challenge took a hit when they lost 2-1 at Deportivo La Coruna on March 12, but they responded to that defeat with a 4-2 win over Valencia on March 19, before beating Granada at the weekend. Messi was absent for the clash in Andalusia through suspension, but Neymar and Luis Suarez both found the back of the net in a match that flattered Barcelona with the final scoreline.

Twenty wins, six draws and three defeats is how Barcelona have performed in La Liga this season, while they are the leading scorers on 85 goals, which is not much of a surprise. They also have the second-best defensive record (26 conceded), although Enrique's decision to switch formations in recent weeks has led to some confusion at the back. There has been yet another change around tonight!

Neymar of Barcelona in action during his side's Champions League clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on November 1, 2016© SilverHub


In terms of what is ahead for the Catalan giants, they will travel to Malaga for their next league match at the weekend, before visiting Italian champions Juventus for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on April 11. Then comes a league game with Real Sociedad on April 15, before welcoming Juventus to Camp Nou for the second leg of their last-eight affair on April 19.

The small matter of a trip to Real Madrid will then arrive in the league on April 23, before ending April with league games against Osasuna (H) and Espanyol (A). It is a very busy month for the Catalan giants as they chase down another possible treble in what will be Enrique's final season at the helm.

As for Sevilla, a brilliant end to 2016 and indeed start to 2017 led to suggestions that Sampaoli's side could snatch the La Liga title this season. Between December 11 and March 2, they lost just once in Spain's top flight during a brilliant run, which allowed them to move clear of fourth-place Atletico Madrid, in addition to staying in touch with Barcelona and Real Madrid at the summit.

Sevilla's Samir Nasri is sent off during the Champions League match against Leicester City on March 14, 2017© SilverHub


Sevilla were also making waves in the Champions League, but they were incredibly dumped out of the competition by Premier League champions Leicester after losing 2-0 at the King Power Stadium in the second leg of their last-16 affair. It is also now four league games without a win for the Europa League holders, which started with a 1-1 draw away to Alaves on March 6.

Sampaoli's side then drew 1-1 at home to Leganes on March 11, before losing at Atletico and drawing with Sporting Gijon. As a result, Sevilla have dropped to fourth position in the table, although they are still nine points clear of fifth-place Real Sociedad as they chase down a top-four finish. Atletico, however, are threatening to pull away when it comes to the race for third.

Unsurprisingly, Sevilla have been very strong at the Estadio Ramon in the league this season – winning 10 of their 14 matches and losing just once. They have also been impressive on their travels, however, picking up 25 points from 15 fixtures. It has been a sticky recent run for the Seville outfit, although they are still on course for a positive finish in the league.


Here we go then - both sets of players have joined us on the pitch for the first period of action. A win for Barcelona would take them top, but Sevilla have a point to prove after their recent poor run of form. It is a beautiful night in Barcelona, and we are just about ready for kickoff at Camp Nou.

KICKOFF! Sevilla kick things off at Camp Nou...

... it must be said that the Camp Nou pitch is absolutely wonderful for this stage of the season. Some surfaces start to cut up towards the end of the campaign, but the pitch is just exceptional. As expected, Barcelona have taken control of the early possession as they look to settle here.

Sevilla are being forced to defend their own box at the moment as Barcelona continue to move the ball in the final third of the field. Roberto delivers a dangerous cross towards Suarez, but Pareja is on hand to make the clearance. Nothing from Sevilla going forward in the opening four minutes.

CROSSBAR! Oh word! Messi looks to pick out the top corner with a curling effort from outside the Sevilla box, but the ball strikes against the underside of the crossbar!

Sevilla are in bags of trouble at Camp Nou, even this early. The home side are absolutely full of beans as they continue to force the issue, while the visitors just cannot seem to keep the ball.

Iniesta releases Neymar inside the Sevilla box and the Brazilian looks to cross into Suarez, but Rico is on hand to collect, before the away side break down the other end with Mariano. Pique is across to make the block, however, and Barcelona are back on the front foot. Good tempo to this game.

SAVE! Routine save from Rico to keep out Iniesta's low strike.

Better from Sevilla in the last couple of minutes as they manage to settle on the ball, but Barcelona are still very comfortable in terms of dealing with the away side's attacking threat. You just get the feeling that Sevilla need to score first tonight if they are to stand a chance of avoiding defeat.

Neymar looks to have a problem as the Barcelona forward comes to the touchline and asks for some treatment on his foot. It does appear that the Brazilian will be fit to continue though.

Indeed, Neymar is back on the field after a bit of treatment.

BOOKING! Pique (Barcelona) is booked for a foul on Vitolo.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side to take the lead as N'Zonzi beats Mascherano to a loose ball inside the Barcelona box before looking to pick out the near post, but Ter Stegen is on hand to make a smart save. Massive opportunity for the visitors to score here.

CLOSE! Iniesta picks out the head of Rakitic with a brilliant cross from a deep position, and the Croatian just sends his effort wide of the far post. Rico was in control though.

Barcelona continue to have plenty of the ball, especially in the final third, but Sevilla have a lot of numbers behind the ball, and the visitors are managing to clear their lines. Smart work from Vtitolo then sees Busquets forced to foul his fellow Spaniard, which brings Sevilla up the field once again.

Iniesta is here, there and everywhere at the moment as he continues to pick up possession in deep positions, before threatening in the final third of the field. Sevilla are more in the game in an attacking sense, however, as Vitolo and Nasri start to support lone forward Correa.

Just a reminder that a win for Barcelona here would move the Spanish champions above Real Madrid to the top of the table. That said, Los Blancos would then have two games in hand. Sevilla have other ideas, however, as they continue to grow in confidence with 25 minutes on the clock.

CHANCE! Vitolo heads a Nasri free kick over from close range!

GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Sevilla (Suarez)

Barcelona make the breakthrough in the 25th minute of this match as Suarez produces a wonderful over-head kick inside the Sevilla box after reacting first to a bouncing ball. Some finish!

You still get the feeling that there is something in this game for Sevilla, but they simply have to score the next goal. Barcelona, once again, do not seem comfortable in this formation.

GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Sevilla (Messi)

Barcelona double their lead in the 28th minute as Rakitic leads a four-on-three counter-attack before releasing Neymar, whose low cross is picked up by Suarez and the centre-forward cuts the ball back to Messi, who simply finishes under Rico. It is a wonderful goal from the hosts.

Sevilla grew into this game after a tough start, but they now face a serious task to prevent Barcelona from securing a strong victory. The home side are absolutely full of it tonight.

GOAL! Barcelona 3-0 Sevilla (Messi)

Game, set and match. Barcelona have their third of the night, and Messi has his second as the Argentine thumps the ball into the bottom corner after Sevilla failed to clear a corner kick.

Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining, and Sevilla are facing an absolute hiding at Camp Nou unless they can find a way to stem the flow of traffic. It is just constant at the moment.

Sevilla have looked jaded for a few weeks now, and they are really struggling tonight against a Barcelona team that are heading for the top of La Liga, at least temporarily. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals tonight as Barcelona continue to pepper the Sevilla box.

BOOKING! Iborra (Sevilla) is booked for a poor tackle on Neymar.

Opportunity for Messi to score his third as Neymar dances into the Sevilla box before setting the ball back to the Argentine, but his effort is blocked by Pareja, who just does enough.

I still fancy Sevilla to score tonight, especially if Sampaoli looks to his bench, which is very attack-minded. Barcelona are still absolutely full of beans though as Neymar goes in search of his first goal of the night. I would not back this game finishing 3-0 tonight, not even close to it.

Sevilla are in 'survival mode' at the moment as they continue to retreat at Camp Nou.

HALF-TIME: Barcelona 3-0 Sevilla

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Barcelona leading 3-0 against Sevilla courtesy of a double from Lionel Messi and super Luis Suarez over-head kick. Sevilla have had some decent chances at Camp Nou, but they have simply been blown away down the other end of the field. As it stands, Luis Enrique's side are heading to the top of the table.

STATISTICS! Barcelona have dominated the possession with 62%, while they had 10 attempts in the first period - four of which were on target. Sevilla, meanwhile, only had one attempt on target, but it was a big chance for N'Zonzi, who was denied by the feet of Ter Stegen. Two yellow cards to report in the opening 45 minutes - Pique in the book for Barcelona, and Iborra for the visitors.

BENCH WATCH! Sevilla boss Sampaoli has a number of options on his attack-minded bench tonight, with Ben Yedder, Jovetic, Sarabia and Vasquez all available for the Chilean. Barcelona, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Andre Gomes, Paco Alcacer, Denis Suarez and Alena.

RESTART! Barcelona resume the action on home soil...

... SEVILLA SUB! Sarabia has replaced Nasri at the interval.

Barcelona are not finished tonight as they continue to force the issue in the early stages of the second period. Iniesta looks to feed Neymar with a cute pass, but Rico is out to make the clearance. I still think that there is a goal in this match for the visiting team though.

CHANCE! Luis Suarez comes out to challenge Rico and indeed beats the Sevilla goalkeeper to the ball before feeding Messi, who attempts to chip the ball into the net, but Rico just about does enough to claim. The visitors are not exactly helping themselves at the moment.

Just a reminder that Real Madrid will travel to Leganes tonight, and I shall also be providing live coverage of that match. As it stands, Los Blancos are dropping down to second spot in the table.

Barcelona continue to threaten as Neymar feeds Messi inside the Sevilla box before the Argentine looks to pick out Pique, but Pareja is back to make the challenge. Plenty happening at both ends here as the visitors look to break with Escudero, who has seemingly been given licence to roam.

BOOKING! Vitolo (Sevilla) is booked for a late challenge on Neymar.

Little over 30 minutes of football remaining at Camp Nou, and Barcelona are preparing a change as Alcacer receives his final instructions. Not too much to report in terms of chances at the moment.

SAVE! Ter Stegen keeps out a strike from Sarabia!

CHANCE! Another chance for Sevilla and indeed for Sarabia as Vitolo feeds the Spaniard inside the Barcelona box, but his effort is into the side-netting. Still 3-0 Barcelona.

BARCELONA SUB! Alcacer replaces Luis Suarez for the home side.

Sevilla are very much on the front foot at the moment as they continue to force the issue in the final third of the field, and I still fancy the away side to get their names on the scoresheet here.

CHANCE! Iniesta collects a sharp Neymar pass inside the Sevilla box before looking to find the bottom corner, but the Spaniard cannot get proper contact on his effort.

SAVE! Ter Stegen tips an effort from Sarabia over the crossbar!

BOOKING! Busquets (Barcelona) is booked for a poor challenge on Vitolo.

Sevilla still fancy their chances of finding the back of the net here as the away side continue to commit players in the final third of the field. Jovetic will soon join the action for the visitors here.

It is not surprising that the second period has been played at a slower pace, especially considering the amount of fixtures that Barcelona will play over the next three, four weeks. The job was complete when Messi made it 3-0, and the Spanish champions are heading to the top of the table.

SEVILLA SUB! Jovetic replaces Iborra for the away side.

BARCA SUB! Alba replaces Pique for the home side.

CHANCE! Super chance for Alcacer to make it 4-0 on the night after the striker is released by Iniesta, but Rico is on hand to make the save. Smart goalkeeping there.

BOOKING! Rakitic (Barcelona) is booked for a rash challenge on Escudero.

BARCELONA SUB! Alena replaces Rakitic for the home side.

It is a very scrappy game at the moment as the referee is forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. In truth, both teams could do with this match being over as soon as possible.

BOOKING! Alena (Barcelona) is booked for a rash tackle on N'Zonzi.

Just a reminder that Barcelona are heading to the top of La Liga - one point ahead of Real Madrid, who are about to kick off away to Leganes. It really is a fascinating battle for the title this season, and the two teams will go head-to-head at the Bernabeu later this month. I cannot wait!

Not an awful lot to report in the last 10 minutes or so as Barcelona retain the ball.

RED CARD! VITOLO!

SAVE! Rico makes a flying save to keep out Neymar's strike.

FULL-TIME: Barcelona 3-0 Sevilla

So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Barcelona running out 3-0 winners over Sevilla on home soil. The Spanish champions are back on top! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again. Be sure to now switch over to Real Madrid!

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Lionel Messi in action during the La Liga game between Barcelona and Real Madrid on December 3, 2016
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