The Catalans put on a clinical performance against Sevilla to grab three points.
Barcelona produced a comprehensive 2-0 win over Sevilla after goals from Ousmane Dembele and Lionel Messi.
Although the visitors looked jaded in the initial moments, they had their breakthrough around the half-hour mark after Ousmane Dembele finished off Lionel Messi’s through ball.
The Catalans gained ground after that strike and missed a couple of big opportunities in the second half. Jordi Alba was an inch short from meeting the cross of Frenkie de Jong, meanwhile, Sergino Dest rattled the post.
Messi, who provided the assist for the first goal, put the game beyond doubt as he scored the winning strike after combining with substitute Ilaix Moriba.
The Argentine ace is currently the top scorer of La Liga with 19 and has been performing at a higher level since the turn of the year.
Barca have moved ahead of Real Madrid to the second position for the time being and have won for the first time against Sevilla this season.
Ronald Koeman‘s strategy of playing a three-man defence fell in place as Sevilla were often caught at the crossroads. Julen Lopetegui would be disappointed to see the Andalusian side’s six-match winning streak coming to an end against Barca.
Furthermore, it was more of a complete performance from the Blaugrana as it was difficult to spot a player with more faults like in the previous games.
The Catalans will once again face Sevilla in the Copa del Rey semi-finals second leg next week, with the aggregate score 0-2.
