Copa Del Rey: Sevilla beat Barcelona 2-0 making it difficult for Barcelona’s route to the final


Lionel Messi’s 900th career appearance did not go as planned as Barcelona, who were on a six-game unbeaten run across all competitions, could not keep up with Sevilla as the hosts won 2-0 against the Catalan giants.

Messi was denied a goal with a brilliant save by Yassine Bounou in the 11th minute before Jules Koundé hit the back of the net courtesy a brilliant solo run going past two Barcelona players in the 25th minute. Sevilla was well organised and did not let Barcelona get away with any false passes.

Barcelona was not at their best once the goal was scored and could not create the chances required. Apart from a save low to his right by Bounou to keep Messi’s shot away, the Blaugrana were not able to string many passes together to create something fruitful.

In the second half, Óliver Torres came on as a substitute and provided a brilliant pass to find the skipper Ivan Rakitic, who slotted home in the 85th minute to double the advantage. The only other chance Barcelona had was a Lionel Messi freekick late in the game which again was denied by Bounou and that was the last piece of action before the final whistle. This brought an end to a night where the home team was well organised and deserved winners.

Barcelona was neither able to attack nor defend properly and Sevilla took full advantage of this situation. Sevilla has one step into the finals and will look to continue the momentum whereas Barcelona have it all to do in the return leg fixture on 3rd March, 2021 at the Camp Nou.


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