Barcelona returned to the top of the La Liga table with a 4-1 win over Sevilla on Sunday evening.
Alberto Moreno handed the home side an early lead, but goals from Alexis Sanchez, Lionel Messi (2) and Cesc Fabregas secured all the points for the Catalan outfit.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two La Liga rivals.
Match statistics
Sevilla
Shots: 15
On target: 4
Possession: 37%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 22
Barcelona
Shots: 9
On target: 5
Possession: 63%
Corners: 0
Fouls: 9
Was the result fair?
Barcelona might have won by a comprehensive scoreline, but there is an argument that Sevilla should have taken something from the match. In truth, the away side were not three goals better than the hosts this evening and were perhaps a shade fortunate to collect all the points. There was not too much between the teams in terms of general play, but Barcelona were clinical in the final third, while Sevilla were guilty of missing chance after chance.
Sevilla's performance
It would certainly not have flattered Sevilla if they had been two or three goals ahead at the interval after a number of first-half opportunities, but they trailed following a soft goal from Sanchez and a sensational effort from Messi. They responded in the second period with a sustained period of pressure, but were caught on the counter by a slick Barcelona team on a number of occasions. It is difficult to be critical of their general play, but their finishing was not up to the required standard at the Estadio Ramon.
Barcelona's performance
Another performance where it would be fair to say that Barcelona were not at their best, but they scored four goals at one of the toughest places to travel in Spain. There is no question that they rode their luck in the first period, but the champions showed their character to respond in the terrible conditions in Seville. There were a few nervy moments defensively with Sevilla threatening from set pieces on a number of occasions, but their forward players inspired them once more.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Lionel Messi: The Argentine has been criticised in recent weeks following a barren run in front of goal. Well, that ended in style this evening. His first was a wonderful strike from outside the box, while his second was a well-placed effort from close range. There were a few signs that the attacker is returning to his best form following a stop-start campaign.
Biggest gaffe
Barcelona levelled in extremely fortuitous circumstances in the first period and the blame must be handed to the officials. Nicolas Pareja denied Messi with a brilliant challenge just outside the Sevilla box, but the referee blew for a free kick, which Sanchez converted from an offside position. The referee and linesman both made incorrect decisions in the space of one minute, with Sevilla rightly incensed.
Referee performance
Jesus Gil had a difficult first period due to the nature of the conditions, with both teams flying into a number of challenges. However, aside from the incident that led to Barcelona's first goal, the Spaniard had a solid first 45 minutes. Gil was hardly seen after the interval, however, as the match was allowed to flow from end-to-end.
What next?
Sevilla: Unai Emery's side will attempt to return to winning ways in the league when they welcome Valencia to the Estadio Ramon next Sunday evening.
Barcelona: The Catalan outfit enter the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final with Real Sociedad next week holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg at the Camp Nou.
Matt Law
