𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗘𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗞𝗼𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻'𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗻.

Ronald Koeman's men put up an impressive peformance to ensure the security of the three points, as well as inject a boost in the team's morale ahead of the Copa clash against the sam opponent. Barcelona have now won seven consecutive matches for the first time since the 2012/13 season.

Ronald Koeman's choice of line-up raised many questions about the tactics and formation to be implemented, as it had 5 defenders, 2 attackers, none of which was a natural number "9". The decision to go with 3 CBs and 2 fullbacks was to allow the team to dominate possession as explained by Alfred, Koeman's assistant.

Sevilla took total control of the game right from the whistle, dominating possession, registering long spells of possession, exerting pressure on the defense and dictating the tempo of the match at will. The team however worked their way back into the following strings of passes despite constant longitudinal pressure from Sevilla's midfielders; Fernando and Juan Jordan. Despite that, breakthrough came in the 29th minute, following the genius of Leo Messi, the Argentine picked out Ousmane Dembele with a clean pass through micro-space in Sevilla's compact midfield set-up and the Frenchman made no mistakes as he shot the ball right under the legs of Sevilla's goalkeeper, Bono.

It would take much more than that to beat a well drilled, compact and confident Sevilla team, who worked their way back into game, taking over control from the Catalans through their lethal counter-pressing system. However defensive solidity meant the home side could not find the end product they sought.

Youngster Oscar Mingueza was the star of the first half. With a facial cut of a Roman emperor, the Spaniard defended the team with maximum dexterity, ensuring Munir, Lukk and Rakitic have little to no impact. Took maximum defensive responsibility for the right side of the pitch, allowing Sergino Dest to contribute his quota in attack. Pique provided the much needed leadership to keep the backline awake and functioning.

The second half saw a much energitic Sevilla side, following Julen's half time changes. Both teams had their share of dominance, however, Barcelona produced the most threatening moments. With Frenkie as the powerhouse of the midfield,constantly making runs in both boxes, operating as a typical box-to-box midfielder. Messi had a chance to double the lead earlier, but rather aimed his shot for the stars. Frenkie's brilliant run gave the team another life line, but Alba failed to make contact with the ball after Frenkie's horizontal cross. Sergino Dest's shot also came off the bar following a session of brilliant team work.

Barcelona dominated possession, having 56% possession and 618 passes with 87% passing accuracy. Despite having less attackers on the pitch, Koeman's men registered a total of 9 shots, with 5 on target as opposed to Sevilla's 4 and 2 respectively. The Catalans were absolutely solid at the back, allowing Sevilla only 3 shots in the box, 2 on target and 4 total shots all game. Ter Stegen only had to make 2 saves, one of which was crucial to deny Sevilla the equaliser.

Both sides had goals disallowed, Lenglet scored from Messi's freekick, however he was adjudged to be in an offside position. En Nyeseri also found the net, but his goal was ruled out as he handled the ball in the process of controlling it.

Pedri picked up an injury and asked to be substituted, and was replaced by youngster, Ilaix Moriba who was brilliant since stepping on the grass. Physically solid and showed great ball winning ability. Ronald Araujo was taken off after he massaged ankle while sitting on the turf. Ronald Koeman immediately sent Umtiti on, much to the displeasure of the Uruguayan who had decided he was okay to play on, Koeman was in no mood to take risks. Martin Braithwaite replaced Dembele, and was energertic coming on.

Leo Messi put the game to bed as he picked up a pass from Ilaix Moriba, ran towards goal and forced the ball in, despite initial intervention from Sevilla's Bonou and several players having a slide on the turf. The victory consolidates Barcelona's feet in the title race as they sit 5 points clear of Sevilla in 3rd position. A well deserved victory off the back of impressive team work and determination. Well earned 3 points vital for the title challenge.