Barcelona missed the chance to reclaim first spot in La Liga after losing 2-1 at Sevilla on Saturday afternoon.
Neither team could make the breakthrough in the first 45 minutes, but Sevilla were two goals ahead in the 58th minute when Michael Krohn-Dehli and Vicente Iborra netted in quick succession.
Neymar had one back for Barcelona from the penalty spot in the 74th minute, but the Catalan side could not score a second as they were beaten in the league for the second time this season.
Here, Sports Mole has dissected the 90 minutes of action between the two teams.
Match statistics
SEVILLA
Shots: 12
On target: 5
Possession: 43%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 15
BARCELONA
Shots: 22
On target: 8
Possession: 57%
Corners: 8
Fouls: 14
Was the result fair?
Sevilla will argue that they deserved to collect all three points due to their work-rate and strong rear-guard performance, but it is difficult to say that Barcelona deserved to leave without anything for their efforts. It might have been 0-0 at the break, but that only began to tell the story. Sevilla had their moments in an end-to-end first half, but Barcelona twice hit the woodwork, in addition to having a number of good opportunities. On another day, Luis Enrique's side would have been a couple of goals ahead at the interval, but Sevilla's start to the second half was very strong indeed.
The hosts flew out of the traps and were 2-0 ahead as early as the 58th minute, with Krohn-Dehli scoring and then turning provider for Iborra. The expected response from Barcelona arrived, however, and the Catalan side were back in the game 15 minutes from time when Neymar scored from the spot. Sevilla had to resist a host of late pressure late on, but Barcelona's radar was certainly off in the final third. The statistics show that Barcelona had 23 attempts - nine of which were on target - and when taking everything into account, a share of the spoils would have probably been a fairer result.
Sevilla's performance
If Barcelona have injury problems, then Sevilla have something else entirely. As many as seven first-team players were unavailable for this match, with the likes of Ever Banega, Beto, Adil Rami, Daniel Carrico and Nicolas Pareja all having strong cases to be included in Unai Emery's first XI. It was a physical side that took to the field, however, and that was a decision that paid dividends in the first period as the home side made it very awkward for Barcelona to get going. In fact, it was Sevilla that had more of the ball in the opening 45 minutes, which is not a common occurrence against Barcelona.
Sevilla's first real chance came in the 13th minute when Krohn-Dehli picked out the head of Marco Andreolli from a super free kick, but the on-loan defender could only head wide. As mentioned, Barcelona twice hit the woodwork in the first half and only some strong goalkeeping from Sergio Rico and good defending from Grzegorz Krychowiak kept the scores level at the break. It would be fair to say that the hosts were fortunate to be level after the opening 45 minutes, but they started the second half with such intensity and purpose, and more importantly, managed to find a couple of goals.
The first came from a super piece of work from Kevin Gameiro, who drove down the right before setting up Krohn-Dehli, who could not miss from close range. The goal-scorer than set up Iborra, who headed past Claudio Bravo for 2-0. The award of the Barcelona penalty for a Benoit Tremoulinas handball was very harsh indeed, but Neymar struck the spot kick away, which led to a lot of late pressure. Rico was strong when he needed to be, however, while a sturdy team performance managed to secure all the points. This was much more like it from a side that has struggled thus far this season.
Barcelona's performance
As touched upon, Barcelona might not have as many injuries as Sevilla, but they are currently without Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, undoubtedly two of their most important players. That meant a start for Munir El-Haddadi in attack, while there were changes elsewhere as Sergi Roberto and Jeremy Mathieu started at the back. Javier Mascherano was also pushed into a midfield position, but the alterations did not really work for the visitors. That said, a dominant first 45 minutes should have seen Enrique's side take the lead, with Neymar and Suarez both hitting the woodwork with good efforts.
Neymar's super free kick in the 23rd minute somehow stayed out after rolling along the line, before Suarez hit the crossbar with a curling effort. The visitors were made to pay for a poor start to the second half, however, with defensive mistakes leading to both Sevilla goals. It was always going to be a mountain to climb from that moment, but the response from Barcelona was strong and they deservedly had one back in the 74th minute when Neymar scored from the penalty spot.
The pressure continued late on as Neymar and Suarez both came close to a leveller, before Sandro Ramirez struck the post from close range following another incisive move. The ball just did not seem to want to go in for the Catalan side, who have now lost twice in the league this season. The result is far from disastrous at this stage of the campaign, but the performance will have worried the supporters. The intensity and usual suffocation of their opponents was not present, which allowed Sevilla to take control of the match. Enrique has work to do if this is to be another successful campaign.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Michael Krohn-Dehli: The Dane has not always been in the Sevilla team after his summer move from Celta, but this was the type of performance that could make him such a key player this season. The midfielder was given licence to roam all over the pitch and it was the 32-year-old that opened the scoring from close range, before setting up Iborra with a beautiful cross. Barcelona just could not come to terms with Krohn-Dehli's movement here.
Biggest gaffe
The award of Barcelona's penalty was harsh, but the visitors must be criticised for their defending for Sevilla's second. It was a brilliant cross from Krohn-Dehli, but for some reason, Barcelona's back four decided to push out at the wrong moment, leaving Iborra all alone and indeed onside inside the box. The Spaniard then had the simple task of angling his header past Bravo. The Catalan side started the season so well defensively, but problems have arisen in recent games.
Referee performance
As expected, it was a busy afternoon for referee Jesus Gil, who issued eight yellow cards in Seville. The official was perhaps a little guilty of going to his pocket when it was not needed, but he did seem to have full control. The home side can feel unlucky with the award of Barcelona's spot kick, however, with Tremoulinas having the ball smashed at his hand from close range.
What next?
Sevilla: Emery's side will return to action after the international break with a trip to Eibar on October 17.
Barcelona: Also on October 17, Barcelona will welcome Rayo Vallecano in their next league game.
