La Liga Matchday 8 featured a highly anticipated clash between Barcelona and Sevilla at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. The match lived up to its billing as a spicy encounter.
Sevilla had not won an away game against Barcelona in their last 20 attempts, making them eager to break this streak. Xavi Hernandez fielded an attacking lineup with four forwards: Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Joao Felix, and Lamine Yamal, complemented by midfielders Ilkay Gundogan and Gavi. The defense featured Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Joao Cancelo, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, and Alejandro Balde.
Barcelona started the match positively, dominating possession and pushing forward. The opening ten minutes set the tone for Barcelona's dominance.
In the 12th minute, Joao Felix had the first significant chance but was denied by Ørjan Nyland. He missed the target five minutes later.
The best opportunity of the half fell to Felix again, but his confident strike hit the woodwork and stayed out.
Barcelona continued to create chances, especially on the counterattack. Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Yamal led several promising attacks, but they couldn't find the back of the net.
A turning point occurred in the 35th minute when Raphinha injured his hamstring while attempting a shot. Fermin Lopez replaced him, and Barcelona reverted to a 4-3-3 formation.
At halftime, neither side had taken the initiative, and Barcelona's missed chances left the game deadlocked.
The second half began with Barcelona maintaining pressure on Sevilla. Felix had another half-chance but couldn't score.
Barcelona looked close to breaking the deadlock as the hour mark approached. Lewandowski's shot was blocked, and Kounde's header narrowly missed.
Despite numerous chances, Barcelona hadn't scored, and Sevilla continued to search for an equalizer.
In the 75th minute, Barcelona took the lead through a Sergio Ramos own goal, created by a superb cross from Yamal.
Yamal was substituted for Oriol Romeu in the 80th minute.
Sevilla came close to equalizing in the 85th minute, but Kounde's well-timed tackle denied Jesus Navas.
With this victory, Barcelona temporarily reclaimed the top spot in La Liga, pending the outcome of the Girona vs. Real Madrid match tomorrow.
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