Barcelona drew Sevilla (0-0) in the Sánchez Pizjuán in Matchday 30 of La Liga. Quique Setien’s Barca, now with 65 points, will continue to lead the Spanish league table for another round if Real Madrid do not beat Real Sociedad in Anoeta on Saturday.
Here are Francesc’s 5 Star Players for the Sevilla 0-0 Barcelona match:
Nelson Semedo ⭐️
In the absence of the injured Sergi Roberto, it was obvious that Setien was going to start Semedo at right-back. The Portuguese international was a constant reference in attack, giving Barça a reliable wide outlet. I would have loved his final passes to be more accurate, but a good performance regardless.
Gerard Pique ⭐️⭐️
Pique’s anticipation, position and leadership were key to ensure the hosts remained goalless. As we discussed in our The Barcelona Podcast in far more depth, the Catalan has been a key player for the Catalans this season due to his improved fitness and mental focus.
Listen to The Barcelona Podcast now:
Jordi Alba ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Catalan returned to the starting eleven and was constantly active when purposefully overlapping from the left flank. Connected well with those around him during the team’s build-up play as well.
Lionel Messi ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As usual, Messi was central to Barcelona’s attack and the Catalans’ most influential attacking player. However, he was rarely able to break the Sevilla defensive system and generate enough advantages to make a significant difference. Could have scored from a couple of well-taken free-kicks, but his efforts were saved by the impressive Tomas Vaclik.
I am still unsure why our players don’t seem to be able to finish an attacking play without passing the ball to Messi.. Yes, Leo is incredible, but having to go thought him time and time again makes us far too predictable.
Man of The Match ????
Marc Andre Ter Stegen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ter Stegen was challenged much more often than usual and, once again, saved Barcelona with his commanding saves and lightning-quick reflexes. Calm and composed when playing the ball from the back too.
Flop of the Match
Ivan Rakitic ????
Rakitic once again showed that, unfortunately, Father Time can’t be defeated. Despite his eagerness to get involved in possession, his lack of attacking urgency and insistence on passing the ball either backwards or ultra-safely slowed Barca’s attack time and time again. While the Croatian international was not solely to blame for the Catalans’ low tempo, he was certainly not a solution either.
Dan broke down the tactics and handed out his own player grades over the YouTube channel.
For more on this match, check out our friends at tbpod.link/tribuna!
