This was one of those fixtures where Barcelona successfully ticked every box except for finishing. Pedri’s outrageous shot from outside the box broke the deadlock in the second half, showcasing his ability to change the course of the match. Overall, it was a dominant display from the Catalans against a defensively well-drilled Andalusian team.
With this victory, Barcelona leapfrogged Sevilla in the league table, climbing to the second spot. While the 1-0 scoreline may suggest a narrow win, the performance was even more impressive than in the Clasico, primarily due to the team’s defensive cohesion and structural integrity.
The scoreline is quite misleading, as Barcelona effectively created chances and exploited Sevilla’s organized and compact defensive setup but often struggled to deliver the final product. Despite this, the match highlighted Barcelona’s attacking potential and defensive resilience, setting a solid foundation for their campaign moving forward.
Player Ratings:
Marc-André ter Stegen: 8.5
The German keeper had limited involvement as Sevilla opted to sit back until the final stretch of the second half. However, he was called into action in the dying moments when Sevilla pressed hard for an equalizer. He almost made a costly error with a poorly cleared cross but ultimately collected the ball safely, helping secure the win.
Ronald Araujo: 8.5
Araujo showcased his prowess as one of the best 1v1 defenders in the world. He was rock solid in defense, effectively neutralizing every attacking threat that came his way. His partnership with Gerard Piqué continues to flourish, with both players complementing each other’s strengths seamlessly.
Gerard Piqué: 8.5
Piqué has turned back the clock and is performing at an exceptionally high level. Since Xavi’s arrival, he has returned to his prime form. His on-the-ball abilities balance Araujo’s more defensive approach, creating a formidable central defensive duo.
Dani Alves: 8.5
Alves was phenomenal in his role as an inverted full-back, effectively linking up with Busquets in midfield. His ability to roam freely, aided by Araujo’s defensive support, allowed him to contribute significantly to the team’s tempo and overall attacking play.
Jordi Alba: 8.5
Alba has rediscovered his form under Xavi and had a solid performance both defensively and offensively. He created several chances in the final third, further solidifying his role as a key player in Barca’s attacking setup.
Sergio Busquets: 8.0
Busquets remains irreplaceable in Xavi’s system, providing the backbone of Barcelona’s midfield. Xavi acknowledged his importance, emphasizing that while others can step in, none can replicate Busquets’ influence on the game.
Frenkie de Jong: 8.0
De Jong has shown significant improvement in recent months, effectively controlling the game’s tempo and making impressive runs into the box. If he continues this form, he will start finding the back of the net more frequently.
Pedri: 9.5
Pedri’s performance was nothing short of magical. The 18-year-old wonderkind made his presence felt on the pitch, scoring a fantastic goal and dominating the midfield. He was rightly awarded Man of the Match, making defenders struggle to contain him.
Ousmane Dembélé: 8.5
Dembélé proved once again that he can make things happen whenever he’s on the pitch. His ambipedal skills and unpredictability posed constant threats to Sevilla’s defense. He would have recorded a hat trick of assists if not for the poor finishing of his teammates, and his defensive contributions were commendable.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 7.0
Aubameyang faced a compact Sevilla defense but still managed to find spaces and create opportunities. His linking play with the midfield was decent, although he could have been more impactful given the circumstances.
Ferran Torres: 7.5
Ferran maintained excellent movement throughout the match, but his finishing left something to be desired. He had a good overall performance but has room for improvement, particularly in converting chances.
