La Liga
Magesterial Messi Inspires Barça Comeback
On a sunny day at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla hosted Barça in an absolutely crucial game for both sides. Sevilla needed a win to stay within grasp of Getafe in the top four. Barcelona needed a win to keep distance between themselves and the rest of the pack at the top of the table. Sevilla looked incredibly threatening and determined at their fortress. But not all went well for them. A spectacle unfolded. Magical for the away fans, but garish for the home faithful as Leo Messi rose once again to haunt his favorite victims.
Sevilla Bursting Through the Gates
Pablo Machin’s men looked extremely determined to grab all 3 points. They made their intent clear with energetic attacking football right from the get go. Eventually the tempo slowed down as Barça began dictating the flow of the game. However, Leo Messi gave away the ball cheaply in the final third in the 22nd minute and Sevilla launched an electrifying counterattack. The sweeping move saw Wissam Ben Yedder lay the ball off to Jesus Navas who finished with aplomb. After Messi’s first equaliser, Sevilla once again displayed their intent. Pablo Sarabia put the ball to the feet of Gabriel Mercado after a poor clearance from Marc Andre Ter Stegen and Mercado finished in identical fashion to Navas.
Sadly however, after such a good start things started to go downhill for the hosts.
Messi Masterclass
Leo Messi seemingly decided to take matters into his own hands (or feet) each time Barça conceded. After Navas’ opener, he levelled the scores with a stunning volley from Ivan Rakitic’s cross. After the second half resumed, he scored the second equaliser with a terrific right-footed finish into the top corner after Ousmane Dembele’s pass. Later on with just 5 minutes to go, he capitalised on a bit of good fortune as Carles Aleña’s shot deflected of Simon Kjær and fell kindly for him. Messi nonchalantly dinked it over the onrushing Vaclik. This completed his 50th career hattrick.
Even so, the little magician wasn’t finished. Deep into stoppage time, Messi lifted a pass through for Luis Suarez, who scored with another great chip. The victory was sealed and the away fans were heartbroken.
Terrific Contest with a Thrilling End
After a very very intense game of football, VarceloBanay have taken home the 3 points, but Sevilla played really well. They were resolute in defense, and in particular Simon Kjær had a great game. The hosts will feel hard done by. Had it not been for Messi, the result could have been very different. But credit to the Argentine maestro for a sensational 50th hattrick and credit to Barcelona for getting there in the end after a bumpy ride. However, this side does have a lot of work to do. The team has to improve all around for the tough tests that lie ahead.
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