Hey everyone,
An enthralling game of Soccer between Sevilla FC nd FC Barcelona ended in a draw (2-2). And as a result, Barca have their lead at the top of La Liga cut down to just two points now. This was always going to be tough game given the opposition, which are 5th on the table and pllaying in their home ground. At the end of it, Barca pay the price for some costly misses. What seemed like a commanding position in la Liga some 3 days ago is now very much open with 7 games to go before the season draws to a close.
Barca started the game brightly and looked every bit in command of the proceedings. Messi had a couple of shots blocked just outside the penalty area and Neymar, who has come back into the starting lineup in this game, looked sharp making some really useful runs down the left flank. And Barca did take the lead from one such Neymar play when he set up Messi for the opening goal of the encounter. Messi took it in style and Barca were off to a great start. A little later in the 1st half, Neymar scored from a free kick just outside the 18-yard box. Messi asked Neymar to have a go at it since the angle was favorable to the right-foot of Neymar and boy did he not score that free kick perfectly. Neymar scored a peach of a free kick with the entire Sevilla defense and their goal keeper not moving an inch. It was just outstanding and had perfection written all over it as it glided smoothly into the back of the post. It is a must watch goal I say and one you'll not get tired of watching, no matter how many times you watch it.
All seemed to be going well for Barca and soon after the Neymar's goal, Suarez had an opportunity to make it 3-0 for Barca. But he some managed to miss it and Sevilla struck a blow at the other end of the field. Ever Benega pulled one back for Sevilla and it was another peach of a strike giving no chance for the Barca keeper. That goal really did spur the Sevilla players and the crowd alike and it looked a different team from that point onward. One Sevilla attack followed the other and if it was not for that Barca defense, it would have been worse for Barca. The 2nd half was much of he same as Sevilla never really allowed Barca to stamp their game and authority over it and attacked the Barca goal in a manner few teams have managed this season.
Barca really should have put the tie to bed but it was Luis Suarez again who somehow forgot how to score in this game and fired a shot well over the bar with the keeper on the ground and only a defender to beat. That was as bad a miss as it can get, and from a player of Suarez's quality, which is unforgivable. He hit the side netting of the Sevilla goal in what was another half chance for Barca and that really was it for the game for us. Sevilla continued to put pressure and eventually managed to find the equalizer with 7 minutes of normal time remaining. And it was the killer blow really. Barca failed to regroup after that despite the presence of Xavi and Messi on the field. They just couldn't build a meaningful attack after that. And soon their misery was ended with the referee's final whistle.
Barca just seemed ineffective during the 2nd half and deserved this result. Barca can no longer afford such displays anymore for the remainder of the season. This is the beginning of the business end of the season and we need to keep a cool head to bring home the trophies. Visca Barca!
Thanks for reading & cheers! See you soon! - yps05
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