Second-placed Sevilla held FC Barcelona to a 1-1 scheme on Tuesday (December 21), a result that helped True Madrid to originate a 5-point lead at the tip of LaLiga.
Playing under heavy rain, a grand-improved FC Barcelona desperately tried to realize a 2d purpose after Sevilla’s Ronald Araujo drew them stage with a header in the 45th minute nonetheless they were thwarted by an equally clear Sevilla, who were diminished to 10 men after Jules Kounde was as soon as shown a straight pink card in the 64th.
Sevilla went forward after Papu Gomez latched on to a Ivan Rakitic corner kick and fired dwelling a low strike. Barca are seventh in the standings with 28 aspects from 18 video games, 15 aspects in the support of leaders True Madrid.
“I truthfully deem that in the present day time we misplaced two aspects. We conducted higher and deserved to seize. I have faith that is evident in our enchancment,” Barcelona supervisor Xavi Hernandez told reporters.
@SevillaFC_ENG finish the year with aspects! #LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/PCh6NmdN1v
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) December 21, 2021
“We were unlucky. They score in a situation-part play nonetheless we had many more opportunities. The result, a scheme away in opposition to a mountainous team be pleased Sevilla, is now not any longer execrable. Alternatively it is a long way a level that is now not any longer ample for us as we’re looking out for to transfer up in contention. We let this seize ride a long way flung from our hands.”
Barcelona dominated the main half of, had more ball alter and ought to soundless have scored as a minimal twice in the main 30 minutes. Nonetheless Sevilla made the many of the single alternative that came their manner in the main half of, with Gomez firing dwelling a highly effective strike.
Sevilla improved in the 2d half of nonetheless then needed to swap to damage-limitation mode after Kounde was as soon as despatched off for a petulant point out following a conflict with Jordi Alba in the touchline. After being pushed by the Barca defender, Kounde hurled the ball straight into Alba’s face.
“It was as soon as a in actuality sophisticated sport and the pink card caught us when we were taking part in our finest. Kounde is aware of that he made a mistake.” Sevilla supervisor Julen Lopetegui told reporters.
