Barcelona recorded their third straight victory in LaLiga as Xavi’s men beat Sevilla 3-0 at the Sanchez Pizjuan.
The score line may point to a lopsided, and dominant, win. But sometimes the final score doesn’t tell the whole story.
It was the home side who came out storming from the opening whistle. Sevilla could have gone ahead early in the first-half but Ivan Rakitic squandered a wonderful pass from Isco. They had a number of other opportunities only to see them called back due to offside.
Sevilla erred in giving Barcelona space for the first goal. Ousmane Dembele had a free run and he slipped the ball to Robert Lewandowski who tried to lob it over the keeper. He did so but saw his shot cleared before it went in, only to be headed back by an awaiting Raphinha for the opener.
The Catalans doubled their lead before the end of the half as Lewandowski got on the score sheet again courtesy of a long cross by former Sevilla man, Jules Kounde. The Polish striker controlled the ball with his chest before striking it past the keeper.
Eric Garcia scored the final goal thanks to another cross from Kounde.
Barcelona needed the win to keep up with Real Madrid, who won earlier in the day.
The result reinforced certain things and opened eyes to others. Here are three talking points from the match.