Barça knew that if they won this match, winning the League would depend on themselves and they weren't going to miss the opportunity. Although it's true that everything was tied in the first half, a few good minutes in the second half were enough. Now, rest until Monday, as they won't have to play that midweek Champions League qualifying match.
Action, Reaction
Barça knew that by winning this match, they would get very close to the leaders and wanted to try from the first moment. Lamine was about to "open the can," but Nyland prevented it with a great save. In the subsequent corner, Íñigo extended for Lewandowski and the Pole wasn't going to miss.
However, the happiness wasn't going to last long, because in the center kick, Sevilla was going to equalize. Long ball for Saúl who crosses it for Vargas to finish at will, in a play that was called offside. The bad news was going to continue for the culés, as Araújo had to be substituted after a hard tackle by Saúl.
After the 1-1, Barça took more control of the game and created dangerous chances, but without success. Yamal had two, one that he finished with his ankle, another that went wide and his shot hit the side of the net. Meanwhile, the Sevillistas were close to the second with a bicycle kick from Lukebakio that Szczęsny cleared.
Culé Reaction
The second half started with a change from Flick, Gavi left his place for Fermín, mainly because of the yellow card he had seen. The Andalusian was going to enter in the best way, Pedri hangs a ball and Fermín heads it for the 1-2. Barça was going to take advantage of that state of doubt of their rival to score the third, Raphinha put an impossible ball for Nyland.
The play of the Brazilian's goal was preceded by a possible penalty by Kounde, but it came to nothing. However, the match was going to get complicated, as after a tackle by Fermín, the referee showed him the red card. Flick made several changes to calm the match, trying to prevent a possible Sevilla comeback. If there's a player to highlight, it's Pedri, the Canary was once again that piece around which his entire team revolved and who knew how to calm the match.
There would be one last culé goal, a few minutes before the end, Eric García finished at will after a great cross from Raphinha. Barcelona is now two points away from the leader, fixing those bad months from last year that relegated them to third position. The next match will be on Monday the 17th, against Rayo Vallecano at Lluís Companys, as they don't have to play a midweek match after finishing top 2 in the Champions League.
Technical Sheet
Sevilla FC: Nyland, Juanlu, Pedrosa (Marcao 87'), Bade, Kike Salas, Gudelj (Agoumé 75'), Saúl (Manu Bueno 75'), Sow (Suso 63'), Isaac, Vargas (Ejuke 63'), Lukebakio
FC Barcelona: Szczęsny, Araújo, Íñigo Martínez, Balde, Koundé, De Jong (Eric García 71'), Pedri, Gavi (Fermín 46'), Lamine Yamal (Gerard Martín 88'), Raphinha, Lewandowski (Dani Olmo 71')
Goals: Lewandowski (1-0), Vargas (1-1), Fermín (1-2), Raphinha (1-3), Eric García (1-4)
Cards: Saúl, Gavi, Isaac, Fermín (red), Badé, Eric García
Referee: Alejandro José Hernández Hernández
Stadium: Sánchez Pizjuan