Barcelona travelled to out-of-form Sevilla on Saturday knowing that three points would take them top of La Liga.
Both teams had chances in an end-to-end first 45 minutes, but neither could make the breakthrough in Seville.
Sevilla scored twice in the opening 15 minutes of the second half, however, with Michael Krohn-Dehli and Vicente Iborra on the scoresheet for the hosts.
Barcelona were back in the game late on when Neymar scored from the penalty spot, but the visitors could not find a leveller as Sevilla recorded an impressive three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Estadio Ramon as Sevilla welcome the champions Barcelona. The home side have struggled to find their best form in the early part of the new season, but this game presents the perfect chance to regain some confidence. Barcelona, meanwhile, will also be targeting all three points in Seville, which would take them top of the table.
These two teams met in the Spanish Super Cup at the start of the season, with Barcelona running out 5-4 winners in extra-time. The last time that Sevilla beat Barcelona in the league was back in March 2007, when now Barca defender Dani Alves was on the scoresheet for the Andalusian side. In last season's corresponding league game, the points were shared in a 2-2 draw in this stadium.
Both of these teams were also in Champions League action during the week. Sevilla were beaten 2-0 at Juventus, but Barcelona came from a goal behind against Bayer Leverkusen to record a 2-1 victory. Barcelona have not had to travel, but the return from Germany will not have been too taxing for the visitors. There can be no excuses in terms of tiredness this afternoon. Still awaiting the team news...
The team news is just starting to filter through from Seville, with the home team now confirmed. Come on Barcelona, time for the reveal! I shall bring you up-to-speed as soon as possible here.
Unai Emery led Sevilla to the Europa League title and a fifth-place finish in La Liga last season, but it has been a disappointing start to the new campaign. The Andalusian side have drawn with Malaga and Levante thus far in addition to beating Rayo Vallecano, but have also lost against Atletico Madrid, Celta Vigo and Las Palmas. As a result, they sit 16th in the table on five points.
A summer of change means that new players will need to be given time to settle at the Estadio Ramon, but Emery will be wary of losing too many points at this stage of the season. Fourth place will be the target once again, but the likes of Villarreal and Celta Vigo have absolutely flown out of the blocks this season. Crikey, Luis Enrique is certainly taking his time picking his Barcelona XI for this one!
Two of Sevilla's three league defeats this season have come on their own patch, which is even more surprising considering their excellent record last season, when they lost just once in front of their own supporters. They also only conceded 13 league goals at home throughout the whole of last season, but have already shipped seven in three games this time around. It has been a poor start indeed.
TEAMS
SEVILLA: Rico; Coke, Andreolli, Kolo, Tremoulinas; Krychowiak, N'Zonzi; Krohn-Dehli, Iborra, Vitolo; Gameiro
BARCA: Bravo; Roberto, Pique, Mathieu, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Mascherano; Munir, Suarez, Neymar
So there we have it - the teams are in. To suggest that this is an understrength Sevilla XI would be putting it mildly. Ever Banega, Gael Kakuta, Beto, Adil Rami, Daniel Carrico and Nico Pareja are all still on the sidelines for the hosts, leaving Emery with few options for change. It is a physical XI, with Steven N'Zonzi and Vicente Iborra both starting, while Kevin Gameiro will lead the line in Seville.
As for Barcelona, fit-again Claudio Bravo returns between the sticks in place of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, while Sergi Roberto is given the nod at right-back. Jeremy Mathieu also starts, meaning that Javier Mascherano will switch to a midfield position. Elsewhere, Munir El-Haddadi starts on the right wing with Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Rafinha all currently out injured for the Catalan side.
It would be fair to say that the next month or two are very important for Sevilla. After the international break, they will travel to Eibar, before travelling to Manchester City in the Champions League on October 21. Back-to-back league games against Getafe and Villarreal will quickly follow, before they welcome Man City in the return European match. Exciting but indeed testing times ahead.
Barcelona, meanwhile, have won five of their six league games this season, but all is not well at Camp Nou. The Catalan outfit only just beat newly-promoted Las Palmas 2-1 in the league last weekend in a game that saw Lionel Messi pick up a serious knee injury. Rafinha and Andres Iniesta are also long-term absentees, leaving the Catalan side with a number of problems in the final third.
© Getty Images
In fact, Barcelona were a touch fortunate to beat Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday. Two goals in the final 10 minutes turned the game on its head, but Javier Hernandez might have put the game to bed early in the second period when Bayer were leading 1-0. There is no question that Luis Enrique's side are short of their best at the moment, but they are picking up results.
All things considered, Barcelona would go to the top of the table with all three points here. They opened their new La Liga season with a 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao, before beating Malaga, Atletico Madrid and Levante to make it four wins from four as they rose to the top earlier this month.
The Spanish giants were thumped 4-1 at Celta Vigo on September 23, however, in a performance that led to a host of criticism. As mentioned, they returned to winning ways against Las Palmas last time out, but it was far from convincing against a team that are expected to struggle this season.
Losing Messi for the next two months was hardly ideal, while the summer sale of Pedro has left them light in the final third. Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan will boost the squad in the second half of the season, but neither are available at the moment due to the Spanish club's transfer ban.
Barcelona without Iniesta, Messi and Xavi today for the first time in La Liga since May 2011 against Deportivo. Game ended in a stalemate.
— Sergi Domínguez (@FutbolSergi) October 3, 2015
In terms of what is ahead for Barcelona, they will welcome Rayo Vallecano and Eibar in back-to-back home games after the international break. Sandwiched between those two is a Champions League game against BATE Borisov, before they travel to Getafe at the end of the month. October looks good on paper, but November will bring Villarreal and Real Madrid in quick succession.
PREDICTION! This is a really tough game for Barcelona, but Sevilla have not been particularly impressive this season and are without a number of key players. I have toyed with the idea of backing a draw, but I can just see Barcelona nicking all the points. For me, Sevilla 1-2 Barcelona.
Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period in Seville. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. Let's hope the football matches up!
KICK OFF! It is a beautiful late afternoon in Seville and the pitch is also in excellent condition. The scene is set for a good game as the away side get the first 45 minutes of action underway...
... it has been a bright start from Sevilla, with the home side already pressing down the right. Coke does well to make space before delivering, but Alba is on hand to clear for a throw. You sense that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be just vital in this game. The first half-chance of the match falls the way of Sevilla as Gameiro clips one towards the top corner, but Bravo was always comfortable.
The atmosphere inside the stadium is just electric, which is transmitting to the players in these opening moments. Barcelona have not really been allowed to get into their passing rhythm thus far as Sevilla continue to dictate the tempo. The early signs are that we will have an open game here.
It is good work from Roberto as the Barcelona right-back combines with Suarez before breaking into a shooting position, but his effort was never troubling Rico. Moments later, Neymar finds space inside the Sevilla box, but his low strike is saved by Rico. Open start to this game here!
Barcelona have just started to take control of the possession in the last couple of minutes, with Alba and Roberto both threatening in wide positions. Sevilla continue to use their right as the main basis for attack, but the final pass has not been there thus far. Still goalless at the Estadio Ramon.
The referee has been more busier than he would have liked in the last couple of minutes following a number of late challenges, but no cards have been produced thus far. Sevilla have the chance to deliver into the Barcelona box, but Krohn-Dehli's free kick is headed clear by the rising Jordi Alba.
CHANCE! Just about the clearest chance of the game thus far as Busquets heads down to Munir inside the Sevilla box, but his effort is over the crossbar. Should have done better there!
Half-chance for Sevilla as Iborra meets a deep Krohn-Dehli corner, but Bravo is on hand to make a fairly comfortable save. Neither defence has started this game particularly well it must be said! Sevilla force a free kick in a very dangerous position as Pique dives in late on Tremoulinas...
... CLOSE! Krohn-Dehli picks out Andreolli at the far post with a super free kick, but the Italian can only head wide of the post. Excellent opportunity for the home side to break the deadlock.
More political views on show here...
Whistles from the Sevilla fans when Pique is on the ball.
— SPORT English (@Sport_EN) October 3, 2015
CHANCE! Super chance for Barcelona this time as Suarez receives a pass from Neymar before attempting to find the bottom corner from inside the box, but Kolo makes an excellent block.
Well, we are still goalless in Seville, but both teams have had very good chances to open the scoring. I would be astounded if we did not have goals this afternoon as both defences continue to look shaky. Barcelona's biggest threat is arriving when Roberto and Alba break from full-back.
CHANCE! Top-drawer defending from Mathieu as the Barcelona centre-back somehow beats Gameiro to a Vitolo cross that was begging to be dispatched from close range.
BOOKING! Krychowiak (Sevilla) is booked for a late challenge on Rakitic.
Plenty happening at the Estadio Ramon as both teams continue to commit players in the final third, but we are still waiting for the first goal of the match. Sevilla have been disappointing on their own patch thus far this season, but they are full of running and desire for this game.
SAVE! Another opportunity for the home side as Krohn-Dehli floats a super pass into Gameiro, who rounds Bravo, but the Frenchman just takes the ball too wide and the Barcelona goalkeeper is on hand to make the save. The away side's back four are very dodgy at the moment here!
BOOKING! Andreolli is booked for a late challenge on Neymar.
POST! Oh my word how are Barcelona not ahead! Neymar's beautiful free kick hits the inside of the post before rolling along the line. Pique looks favourite to stab home, but somehow it stays out amid a number of bodies. Suarez is also in the mix, but Sevilla survive in a turn of events that almost defied gravity. How on earth did Neymar's effort not pass the line - something extraordinary just happened.
That chance for Barcelona has shocked Sevilla into life, with the home side on the attack for the last couple of minutes. Two dangerous crosses arrive into the Barcelona box, but the visitors clear!
I still cannot get over how that Neymar free kick did not result in a Barcelona goal. Pique looked certain to simply stab home, but somehow Krychowiak was back to clear the danger!
BOOKING! Busquets (Barcelona) is booked for a late challenge on Coke.
Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining and we are somehow still level in Seville. The home side have had their chances, but Barcelona will be wondering how they are not ahead. Suarez has had a couple of good opportunities, but Neymar's free kick was the standout moment.
Suarez and Neymar are proving very dangerous for the away side, but we have not seen too much from Munir down the right. As for Sevilla, Krohn-Dehli is pulling the strings in the middle of the park, but Gameiro has not really had any clear chances thus far. What a game in Seville this afternoon.
Surely Pique sent this over the line? No!
El balón no quiso entrar. Síguelo en directo.
http://t.co/E6eReI7dZ3 pic.twitter.com/85Beds3qbb
— Diario SPORT (@sport) October 3, 2015
Coke heads over the crossbar for the home side as Sevilla win another header inside the Barcelona box. The visitors break straight down the other end, but Emery's side have men behind the ball.
Little over five minutes of the first period remaining in Seville and the tempo of the game has not changed. Sevilla enjoy a strong period which results in Iborra finding space inside the box, but the Spaniard was flagged offside. Down the other end, Kolo does not allow the charging Suarez to pass.
CROSSBAR! Suarez comes close to sending Barcelona ahead after curling one towards the top corner, but his effort lands on the top of the crossbar. Wonderful strike from the Uruguay international!
Barcelona have twice hit the woodwork in this first period, but somehow we are still goalless. Sevilla are not offering too much in the final third at the moment, but their high-pressing style and energy is forcing the visitors into defensive mistakes. What a cracking game this has been!
Barcelona continue to pass and probe as we approach the half-time break in Seville...
... half-chance for the away side as Rakitic flicks a super pass into Suarez, but Tremoulinas was across at the vital moment to make a super challenge. Good pressure from the visitors here.
HALF-TIME: Sevilla 0-0 Barcelona
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end and we are, somehow, still level at 0-0. Both teams have had a number of chances during an end-to-end first half, but Barcelona will feel that they deserve to be ahead. Twice the visitors have hit the woodwork, with Neymar rattling the post from a free kick and Suarez curling one onto the crossbar. Sensational half of action here!
STATS! Sevilla have just shaded the possession with 51%, while they have had seven attempts, three of which were on target. As for Barcelona, they have hit the target with one of their eight attempts. It has been a feisty half in terms of challenges, which is showed by the four bookings already awarded.
BENCH WATCH! Sevilla are without a number of key players for this game, but head coach Emery does have the likes of Immobile, Konoplyanka, Llorente and Reyes on his bench this afternoon. Barcelona, however, are really struggling for attackers at the moment and only really have Sandro Ramirez as a forward-thinking player in reserve. It will be interesting to see whether alterations are made at the break.
RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players rejoin us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. Surely we will have a breakthrough in Seville? The home side restart the action at the Estadio Ramon...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too surprising at this stage of events. However, I suspect that both managers will already have some alterations in mind. Sevilla played pretty well for long periods of the first half, but Barcelona will believe that they should be ahead here.
Fast start to the second half as Gameiro finds space all alone inside the Barcelona box, but the flag was raised. Barcelona break down the other end and force a corner, but Pique's header is at Rico.
BOOKING! Mathieu (Barcelona) is booked for a late challenge on Coke.
I would be astounded if this game finished goalless after what has occurred thus far. Barcelona are on the front foot at the moment, but Sevilla are a real threat when they break with pace.
Mathieu has had a difficult start to this second period and needs to be careful after picking up a yellow card. Gameiro seems to be targeting the Frenchman with his runs and that is not a surprise. The hosts have another half-chance through Krohn-Dehli, but his low strike is wide of the post.
GOAL! Sevilla 1-0 Barcelona (Krohn-Dehli)
Breakthrough! Sevilla take the lead in the 52nd minute as Gameiro breaks down the left before rolling a low cross into Krohn-Dehli, who cannot miss from close range. Super goal there!
CHANCE! Sevilla come close to scoring a second as Vitolo rolls a super pass into Gameiro, who strikes first time towards goal, but his effort is deflected for a corner. Wow!
Barcelona need something special from one of their special players, but they cannot turn to Messi, whose absence is badly missed. Neymar finds space in the final third before rolling one towards the far corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. Little over 30 minutes remaining here.
It has been a decent response from Barcelona in the last couple of minutes, but they are not exactly causing the Sevilla back four a whole host of problems. Meanwhile, the home side continue to look dangerous when they have the chance to counter attack. Big final 30 minutes left here.
GOAL! Sevilla 2-0 Barcelona (Iborra)
Sevilla have their second of the match as Iborra heads home from close range following a super cross from Krohn-Dehli. Where on earth was the defending there? Sevilla in total control now.
BOOKING! Alba (Barcelona) is booked for dissent.
BARCELONA SUBS! Alves and Sandro replace Mathieu and Munir.
Barcelona are not out of this game, but it is difficult to see them recovering from two goals behind in this stadium. The loss of Messi seems too have caused ripples throughout the whole club.
SAVE! It is stunning goalkeeping from Rico as the Sevilla stopper somehow claws away a Neymar strike, which seemed destined for the top corner. Excellent from the Spaniard there!
SAVE! Rico once again denies Neymar from close range as the pressure builds!
Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and Barcelona are really pressing at the moment, with Neymar and Suarez seeing more of the ball. Just one goal for the Catalan side would set up a grandstand finish. At the moment, those involved with Real Madrid will be delighted here.
Suarez wants a penalty after going down inside the box under pressure from Kolo, but the referee is not interested. Sevilla really need to get through this period of the game without conceding.
SEVILLA SUB! Iborra is replaced by Jose Antonio Reyes.
Another half-chance for the away side as Busquets meets a corner from Rakitic, but his header was always moving wide of the post. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining at the Estadio Ramon.
SEVILLA SUB! Gameiro is replaced by Llorente.
PENALTY BARCELONA!
BOOKING! Tremoulinas (Sevilla) is booked for handling inside the box.
GOAL! Sevilla 2-1 Barcelona (Neymar)
Barcelona are back in this game as Neymar slots his penalty into the bottom corner. The Brazilian missed from the spot kick against Las Palmas, but sent this one past the diving goalkeeper.
BOOKING! Llorente (Sevilla) is booked for dissent.
You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match as both teams continue to press forward. Barcelona are in control of the possession, but Sevilla are dangerous on the counter.
POST! Barcelona come within a whisker of levelling as Suarez drives into the Sevilla box before setting up Sandro, but the Spaniard can only strike the post from close range. Wow!
It appears that Sevilla will have to make a defensive change here as Kolo is flat out on the deck...
... it is actually Tremoulinas on the ground and it does not look good for the left-back.
Sevilla need to decide whether they are indeed going to make a change at this stage.
Tremoulinas returns to the field, meaning no change, for now anyway. Barcelona remain on the front foot as we approach the final five minutes, but Sevilla are just about holding on here.
Another half-chance for Barcelona as Suarez dances into the Sevilla box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Rico is on hand to make a super save. Just five minutes to play here.
Sevilla are just about holding on, but the pressure is increasing. Sandro is the next player to come close for the visitors, but his first effort is blocked, before Rico smothers the ball. Pressure!
As it stands, Barcelona would remain third in the table on 15 points, while Sevilla would rise into 10th, which looks much better for Emery's side. Real Madrid could move above Barcelona when they face Atletico Madrid tomorrow. It is a big final couple of minutes to this game in Seville.
SEVILLA SUB! Mariano replaces Tremoulinas for the hosts.
FOUR MINUTES ADDED HERE! FOUR!
Sevilla survive another period of pressure as Neymar tumbles outside the box and the referee shakes his head. You just sense that there might be one more big chance left in this game.
It is a case of 'anywhere will do' for Sevilla as Barcelona continue to pepper the box...
... the goal has to come for Barcelona in the next 60 seconds or they will lose for the second time in the league this season. Sevilla are almost there and they have defended so well here.
FULL-TIME: Sevilla 2-1 Barcelona
It is all over! Sevilla make it back-to-back wins in the league with a precious 2-1 victory over Barcelona - what a result for the hosts! As for Barca, they have missed the chance to return to the top of the table. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good afternoon!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
