The unbeaten run continues...somehow
This was easily Barcelona’s worst performance of the season and Sevilla only have themselves to blame for not winning the game handsomely.
They created tons of chances, should probably have scored at least another three but were then made to pay for their profligacy as Barcelona grabbed two late goals to nick a point.
Ernesto Valverde’s side really didn’t deserve anything from this game, they were sloppy, careless and looked bewildered at times - it was a classic post-international break display.
But where there’s Lionel Messi there’s hope, within minutes of his arrival he’d created a couple of chances and of course he scored the equaliser with just minutes remaining.
Sevilla serve warning ahead of Copa del Rey final
Of all the talk of a treble the Copa del Rey has almost been forgotten about, almost as if it’s already in the bag. But Sevilla have shown they are going to prove awkward customers at the Wanda Metropolitano.
We all know they’ve conceded five goals plenty of times this season, in what has been a rollercoaster ride of a campaign but this was a fine display - well up until the 88th minute.
Barcelona will still probably go into the final as favourites, but Sevilla should have put the game beyond Barcelona tonight and will have given Ernesto Valverde plenty to think about.
Pique a worry as Barca defence struggles
Barcelona’s defence has been such a strength this season, but they struggled against Sevilla and Gerard Pique in particular looked far from comfortable and like he’s overdue a rest.
Ernesto Valverde has said he’s playing through a knee injury, but he was clearly hobbling while on international duty with Spain and you can only wonder how fit he actually is (and why on earth he played in both of Spain’s games).
It’s not like Barcelona don’t have options either, Thomas Vermaelen is fit again and played well earlier this season and he may well be an option for Wednesday night.
Samuel Umtiti was also below par - is all the speculation surrounding his future having an impact?
So how injured is Messi then?
It wasn’t a huge surprise to see Lionel Messi on the bench and with Roma up next on Wednesday it was an understandable decision.
However, as soon as he came on Barcelona looked a different team, as he created several chances within minutes of his arrival. He certainly didn’t look like a player carrying an injury.
Yet Argentina didn’t fancy risking him and neither did Valverde, his arrival was one of necessity with his team 2-0 down and struggling. Which begs the question - just how injured is he?
Barcelona’s fighting spirit on show again
It’s fair to say that Barcelona looked dead and buried in this game, the unbeaten streak over and a poor performance a real worry ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Roma.
Except somehow that didn’t happen. Instead yet again the team showed their ability to keep going and somehow find a result against the odds.
17 - Barcelona have won more points from losing positions than any other side in La Liga this season. Power.
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 31, 2018
Don’t forget that when the clock struck 88 minutes Barcelona were still 2-0 down, 55 seconds later it was 2-2. Incredible.
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