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FC Barcelona vs Sevilla : Five things to watch for

By Vijay Vemu

BASEL, SWITZERLAND - MAY 18: Captian Jose Antonio Reyes and Vitolo of Sevilla lift the Europa League trophy as players celebrate at the award ceremoy after the UEFA Europa League Final match between Liverpool and Sevilla at St. Jakob-Park on May 18, 2016 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
BASEL, SWITZERLAND - MAY 18: Captian Jose Antonio Reyes and Vitolo of Sevilla lift the Europa League trophy as players celebrate at the award ceremoy after the UEFA Europa League Final match between Liverpool and Sevilla at St. Jakob-Park on May 18, 2016 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /
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BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 08: Ivan Rakitic (R) of FC Barcelona protects the ball from Victor Sanchez of RCD Espanyol during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at Camp Nou on May 8, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)4. Ivan Rakitic’s return
BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 08: Ivan Rakitic (R) of FC Barcelona protects the ball from Victor Sanchez of RCD Espanyol during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at Camp Nou on May 8, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)4. Ivan Rakitic’s return /

4. Ivan Rakitic’s return

After leading them to a Europa League victory, Sevilla captain Ivan Rakitic completed his move to FC Barcelona last year. The Croatian was looking for a move up in his career and Barcelona presented that opportunity to him. Nobody can blame him for that. Now he will play another game against his old team. Rakitic will look to try to break down a Sevilla midfield that had a great time in the UEL final. Ever Banega controlled the midfield and will be marking Rakitic if he decides to move into the final third. Both are physical players and former teammates so it will be interesting to see this matchup. Rakitic also said he still respects what his former club is achieving but is also maintaining professionalism.

“I wouldn’t (celebrate if I scored). Out of respect for the fans of Sevilla. On Wednesday, I celebrated Sevilla winning, but on Sunday I want to beat them. “ said Rakitic when asked about facing his former side in a press conference leading up to the game.

He is a great box to box midfielder and has been a good one for Barcelona since his move from Sevilla. Now it’s up to his former club to try to stop him if they can. If they can’t, Rakitic and Andres Iniesta could find themselves running around and dictating the Barcelona offense.

Next: 3. The battle down the right wing

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