Muriel del Sevilla FC ante el FC Barcelona
Match reports

2-1: LOS CULÉS HANG ON DESPITE STRONG SEVILLA SECOND-HALF

04/11/2017
Defeat for Sevilla FC in a rainy Camp Nou but a close defeat, especially in the second half. Alcácer opened the scoring in the first half but Sevilla came out strong in the second and equalised through Pizarro. Unfortunately it wasn't enough and Alcácer found a second to steal a win for los Culés

Eduardo Berizzo had spoken about making Barcelona uncomfortable at home but within seven minutes the home side already had three chances to put themselves in front. Suarez, Busquets, Rakitic all had good opportunities to make it a nightmare start for los Nervionenses but couldn't find the net. Sevilla looked to rob the ball and counter but Muriel found himself too isolated early in the first-half.  Banega, meanwhile, was tightly marked throughout, making it tough for the Argentinian centre-midfielder to find forwards. 

Despite the home side's bright start, Muriel had a good chance to make it 0-1 to the visitors after quarter of an hour after dispossessing Umtiti but firing wide of Ter Stegen's goal. Barcelona dominated possession without urgency and ended up being gifted their first after a long ball from Suarez found the feet of Alcácer. One on one against David Soria, the striker made no mistake. After breaking the deadlock, the hosts shut up shop in a bid to get to half-time in control. Despite the constant interceptions and tackles of Pizarro, Sevilla couldn't find their equaliser before the break. 

A floated corner from Banega was met by the head of Pizarro and Sevilla FC were back in the game 

A different Sevilla emerged from the changing rooms after half-time, as was evident from the very first minute. The Sevillistas came out with more intensity, dominance and speed and looked the far more likely to score after the restart. And their efforts paid off within quarter of an hour. A floated corner from Banega was met by the head of Pizarro and Sevilla FC were back in the game.  

Unfortunately, the game wouldn't be level long. A Rakitic cross just five minutes later saw Alcácer beat Kjaer to the ball, find his second and put Barcelona back in front. 

With their second, Barcelona took control of the possession once again

There was time to find another equaliser but with their goal, Barcelona took control of the ball once again, despite the addition of Nolito for Sarabia. A lively Muriel was replaced by Ben Yedder and at the back, Geis took Kjaer's place. There weren't clear chances to level the scores and Sevilla arrive at the international break with a loss. Nonetheless, Barcelona will know they were in a game and Eduardo Berizzo's side hold their heads high, knowing they have positive signs to work with before league competition returns.