Barcelona extended their unbeaten run in La Liga for yet another week after deservedly beating Sevilla at the Camp Nou (2-1), thanks to a brace by Paco Alcacer in his return to the Catalans’ starting lineup. Now leading the table with 31 points in 11 matches, it is hard to argue against the fantastic results Ernesto Valverde has achieved so far in his first season in charge.
Although the three points were not fully secured until the final whistle, this was a game in which Barcelona were clearly superior from the moment the ball started rolling. In fact, if the Blaugranas did not decide the match in the first half it was mainly due to their generalised inaccuracy in front of goal – with Luis Suarez being the main culprit.
Here is a timeline of Francesc Tomas’ most relevant tweets during the game:
Alcacer starting for Barcelona… The HUGE chance Paco has been waiting for is here. Let’s hope he can deliver, the team needs more goals!— TheBarcelonaPodcast (@TheBarcelonaPod) November 4, 2017
Messi once again the protagonist in the early stages. Suarez should have scored the opener already. #BarcaSevilla #FCBLive— TheBarcelonaPodcast (@TheBarcelonaPod) November 4, 2017
PAAAACOOOOOOL!!!! That is precisely what a striker should do: Be where it matters, when it matters. Composed finish too! #BarcaSevilla #FCB— TheBarcelonaPodcast (@TheBarcelonaPod) November 4, 2017
Very pleased with #Barca’s intensity, combinative play and dynamism off the ball against a difficult rival. #BarcaSevilla #FCBLive— TheBarcelonaPodcast (@TheBarcelonaPod) November 4, 2017
Good first half for Barca under the pouring rain. Messi leading the show once again, but most of teammates also stepping up. Your thoughts?— TheBarcelonaPodcast (@TheBarcelonaPod) November 4, 2017
Early stages of game particularly impressive, not so much after the 25th minute. Still superior, however. #BarcaSevilla #FCBLive— TheBarcelonaPodcast (@TheBarcelonaPod) November 4, 2017
PACOOOOOOOOL!!!! 9th goal in his last 9 starts. Adding the goals team needed. Rakitic with the inch-perfect assist. 2-1 Min 65— TheBarcelonaPodcast (@TheBarcelonaPod) November 4, 2017
ALCACER BALLON D’OR. @TheBarcelonaPod— Hector Santos (@HSantos) November 4, 2017
Luis Suarez becoming impossible to defend – against criticism off the pitch, that is. #BarçaSevillaFC #FCBLive— TheBarcelonaPodcast (@TheBarcelonaPod) November 4, 2017
Rakitic tonight was a huge improvement on the lesser version of himself we have seen all season. Delighted. #BarçaSevillaFC #FCBLive— TheBarcelonaPodcast (@TheBarcelonaPod) November 4, 2017
Not the most comfortable win, but fully deserved after an improved performance. Let’s hope the FIFA virus treats us well! #BarçaSevillaFC— TheBarcelonaPodcast (@TheBarcelonaPod) November 4, 2017
Match Stats:
Player Ratings:
Ter Stegen – 7
Semedo – 8
Pique – 8
Umtiti – 7
Alba – 7
Busquets – 7
Iniesta – 8
Rakitic – 8
Alcacer – 8
Messi – 8
Luis Suarez – 4
Substitutes:
Paulinho – 6
Deulofeu – 6
Mascherano – 6
Want more Barca? Listen to our latest episode about Messi, Luis Suarez, Umtiti and more, right here:
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The Barcelona Podcast is brought to you by Francesc Tomas (as seen in ESPN, The Guardian) and Dan Hilton (Barcablog). Listen in for the hottest breaking stories from the Camp Nou!
