Lionel Messi scored a hat trick as Barcelona came from behind on two separate occasions to record a 4-2 win over Sevilla in Saturday afternoon's pulsating La Liga contest at the Estadio Ramon.
Messi netted in the 26th and 67th minute respectively to level the scores, before coming up with the game's fifth goal five minutes from time to cap what was another extraordinary performance from the Argentina international.
Luis Suarez also got his name on the scoresheet late on, meanwhile, to make it a strong afternoon for the visitors.
The result has seen Barcelona move 10 points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid at the top of the table, while Sevilla remain in fifth spot.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the La Liga clash between Sevilla and Barcelona from the Estadio Ramon. Sevilla are currently fifth in Spain's top flight on 37 points, while Barca lead the way, seven points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid entering Week 25. Matches between these two teams are usually very entertaining; let's hope for more of the game this afternoon. Stay tuned for live minute-by-minute coverage of the action from Seville!
TEAMS!
SEVILLA: Vaclik; Gomez, Kjaer, Mercado; Wober, Sarabia, Rog, Banega, Navas; Promes, Ben Yedder
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Vidal, Busquets, Rakitic; Messi, L Suarez, Coutinho
The big team news for Barcelona is the return of key figure Samuel Umtiti in central defence. The Frenchman was on the bench against Lyon last week after returning from a knee problem, but is back in the XI here. Philippe Coutinho, meanwhile, comes in for Ousmane Dembele in the final third of the field, while Arturo Vidal replaces Sergi Roberto in the middle of the park.
Sevilla are once again be without the services of Nolito and Aleix Vidal through injury, while Roque Mesa drops to the bench. Pablo Sarabia and Wissam Ben Yedder, though, both return to the starting XI. There are also spots for Max Wober, Marko Rog and Quincy Promes.
It must be said that there is a stunning atmosphere inside the stadium this afternoon, as there almost always is at the Estadio Ramon. Let's hope for an entertaining game. Kickoff is next!
KICKOFF: Barcelona kick things off here...
... early possession for Barcelona, which is not much of a surprise. Sevilla, as expected, are in a 3-5-2 formation, with Promes operating near Ben Yedder in the final third of the field.
Promes comes close to poking past Ter Stegen from close range, but the flag had been raised.
Ten wins, seven draws and seven defeats - that is how Sevilla have performed in the league this season, with a total of 37 points leaving them in fifth spot in the table. They would return to fourth with a win this afternoon, but that is certainly easier said than done against Barcelona.
Only Real Madrid (41) and Barcelona (61) have scored more league goals than Sevilla (38) this season, but Pablo Machin's team have shipped 28 goals down the other end, which is perhaps too many at this stage for a top-four team. Does that suggest there will be goals this afternoon?
Sevilla suffered a 3-0 defeat at Villarreal in the league last weekend, but will enter this match off the back of a 2-0 victory over Lazio in the Europa League, which secured their spot in the next round courtesy of a 3-0 aggregate success. The Europa League has been kind to Sevilla in recent years and they are one of the favourites to triumph in that competition once again.
League form has been a real issue since the start of 2019, winning just one of their seven matches since the winter break. They thumped Levante 5-0 on January 26 but have since lost to Celta Vigo and Villarreal, in addition to drawing 2-2 against Eibar in their last domestic home match on February 10. This game is 10 minutes old and not too much has happened thus far.
As mentioned, Sevilla and Barcelona have already met in the Copa del Rey this season. Sevilla won the first leg of their quarter-final 2-0 at the Estadio Ramon, but Barcelona recorded a 6-1 victory in the return match to advance. Coutinho has just had a goal-bound strike blocked by Rog.
Barcelona also recorded a 4-2 win in the reverse league match earlier this season, but the corresponding fixture at the Estadio Ramon last term finished in a 2-2 draw. Sevilla have not actually beaten Barcelona in a league match since a 2-1 home success in October 2015.
Well, 16 minutes on the clock and not a lot has happened thus far to be honest. Sevilla have been dangerous on the break, but the final cross into the box has been disappointing thus far.
Barcelona have been far from their best in recent weeks, but the treble is still very much on for the Catalan giants, who will be looking to stretch their lead at the top of La Liga with a win here. If Valverde's side manage to triumph in this match then they will go 10 points clear at the summit. Sarabia has just smashed a free kick from a promising position straight into the Barcelona wall.
CHANCE! Big chance for Sevilla as Ben Yedder works some space inside the Barcelona box, but his shot, which looked to be heading for the corner, is deflected wide for a corner kick.
Barcelona only just squeezed past Real Valladolid last weekend courtesy of a 1-0 win, and they will enter this match off the back of a goalless draw away to Lyon in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash. The Spanish champions are far from their best at the moment.
The draw in France means that Barcelona have actually only won one of their last five games in all competitions, drawing the other four. Still goalless with 22 minutes on the clock here.
GOAL! SEVILLA 1-0 BARCELONA (NAVAS)
Well, it isn't goalless anymore! Sevilla take the lead in the 22nd minute of this match as Ben Yedder feeds Navas inside the Barcelona box and the attacker picks out the bottom corner. Not sure about the defending from the visitors, but Sevilla have a huge lead on home soil.
Sevilla deserve their lead; Barcelona have not created anything in the first 25 minutes here.
SAVE! Comfortable save for the Sevilla goalkeeper to keep out a header from Vidal.
GOAL! SEVILLA 1-1 BARCELONA (MESSI)
Just had to be Messi didn't it?! Barcelona are not behind for long as Messi sends a quite stunning volley into the top corner. It was Rakitic's delivery and a wonderful hit from Messi!
This game took a bit of time to warm up, but now there is plenty happening!
It is a huge period of the season for Barcelona as they prepare for three important matches. Indeed, first up, they will visit Real Madrid for the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final next week, with the last-four clash level at 1-1 following an exciting first leg at Camp Nou.
Barcelona will then travel to the European champions for another Clasico in the league on March 2. Next month, meanwhile, will also bring the second leg of their last-16 Champions League tie at home to Lyon. Still 1-1 here with little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining!
Sarabia delivers a deep free kick into the Barcelona box, but there are no takers. You get the feeling that the next goal in this match - if there indeed is one - could be huge. Pique has just found himself free inside the Sevilla box, but Gomez managed to make the challenge.
All Barcelona at the moment in terms of possession as they pass and probe.
CHANCE! Big chance for Sevilla to score a second as Promes is released into the Barcelona box, but the attacker can only fire over the crossbar. Still 1-1 approaching the interval here.
YELLOW CARD! Pique (Barcelona) is booked for a foul on Ben Yedder.
It must be said that the first half of this match has absolutely flown past. Sevilla took the lead through Navas, but Messi's stunning volley levelled the scores in the 26th minute.
SHOT! Luis Suarez curls harmlessly over the crossbar from a wide position.
GOAL! SEVILLA 2-1 BARCELONA (MERCADO)
Sevilla regain the lead in the 42nd minute of this match as Mercado expertly finds the bottom corner of the net from a Sarabia cross. Terrible defending from Barcelona once again!
Barcelona have Messi, but they are absolutely all over the place at the back here.
HALF TIME: SEVILLA 2-1 BARCELONA
The referee brings the first period to a close with Sevilla leading 2-1. Messi cancelled out a Navas strike to leave the two teams on terms approaching the end of the first half, but Mercado's clever finish in the 42nd minute has left the home side with a slender advantage.
BENCH WATCH! Barcelona boss Valverde has a lot of attacking talent on his bench the afternoon, with Alena, Dembele and Malcom all capable of making a difference. Sevilla, meanwhile, have the likes of Munir, Mesa, Andre Silva and Vazquez on what is also a strong bench.
STATISTICS! Barcelona had 63% possession in the first half, hitting the target with three of their four attempts and scoring once. Sevilla, meanwhile, managed two shots on target from four attempts and both found the back of the net. Just the one booking, with Pique having his name taken.
KICKOFF: Sevilla resume the action here...
BARCELONA SUBS! Half-time changes for Barcelona as Roberto and Dembele replace Vidal and Semedo, who struggled in the first 45 minutes of action here.
YELLOW CARD! Rog (Sevilla) is booked for a poor challenge on Busquets.
SEVILLA SUB! Vazquez for Mercado in Sevilla's first change of the match.
CHANCE! Massive chance for Barcelona as Luis Suarez delivers an excellent cross towards Dembele, but the Frenchman makes a real mess of his effort. Had to score from there!
SAVE! Vaclik manages to keep out a deflected effort from Messi as chances continue to arrive. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals at the Estadio Ramon here.
The stretcher is on and Wober will need to leave the field here. Well, he is actually walking off despite calling for the stretcher. Sevilla will be making their second change of the match.
SEVILLA SUB! Wober is booked as he leaves the field, and Amadou comes on.
Little over 30 minutes of the second period remaining and Barcelona are currently on the front foot as they look to level the scores. Sevilla just need to find a way of easing the pressure.
PENALTY APPEAL! Luis Suarez wants a penalty after going down under a challenge from Kjaer, but a corner is given. I have certainly seen them given!
SEVILLA SUB! Mesa replaces Rog for the home side.
You do get the feeling that there is at least one more goal in this match, and you sense that Barcelona would take a point as it stands. Sevilla are sinking deeper and deeper here.
SAVE! Comfortable save for Vaclik to keep out an attempt from Luis Suarez.
Would Valverde dare taking Luis Suarez off here? The Uruguay international is having another stinker. Malcom is available as a substitute, but it would be some call for Suarez to leave the field.
GOAL! SEVILLA 2-2 BARCELONA (MESSI)
Again, it is stunning from Messi! The Argentine settles just inside the Sevilla box before picking out the top corner of the net. It is another incredible finish from the Argentina international.
YELLOW CARD! Vazquez (Sevilla) is booked for a late challenge on Busquets.
CLOSE! Oh my word! Messi just misses the goal with a strike from outside the box!
Plenty happening at the moment here as both teams continue to enjoy the ball in the final third of the field. You just get the feeling that there is a fifth goal in this match.
Navas delivers another dangerous low cross into the Barcelona box, but Umtiti is on hand to make the clearance. Coutinho then attempts to break but is challenged by Banega.
SAVE! Smart save from Vaclik to keep out a curling Messi effort!
BARCELONA SUB! Alena replaces Coutinho in Barcelona's third change.
YELLOW CARD! Kjaer (Sevilla) is booked for a foul on Messi.
YELLOW CARD! Sarabia (Sevilla) is booked for a loose elbow on Alba.
Little over five minutes of normal time for someone to find a winner in this match.
GOAL! SEVILLA 2-3 BARCELONA (MESSI)
It's three for Messi; incredible. Barcelona look to have stolen all three points late on as the Argentine converts past Vaclik from close range. Sevilla just cannot believe it!
Still time for Sevilla to find something late on, but they look absolutely shocked and the home supporters just cannot believe what has happened. It has been the Messi show here.
Another corner for Barcelona and the ball is where Sevilla do not want it to be.
YELLOW CARD! Mesa (Sevilla) is booked following a tangle with Busquets.
We are into the first of four additional minutes at the end of the match.
Mesa has just had a deep free kick cleared by a towering Pique header.
GOAL! SEVILLA 2-4 BARCELONA (SUAREZ)
Barcelona have their fourth as Suarez races onto a pass from Messi before looping the ball into the back of the net. Excellent finish from the Uruguay international for 4-2!
FULL TIME: SEVILLA 2-4 BARCELONA
So there we have it. Incredible finish at the Estadio Ramon as Barcelona run out 4-2 winners to move 10 points clear at the top of the table. This was the Messi show in full flow! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again. See you next time!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
