Barcelona win 6-1 against Sevilla to keep treble hopes alive

Barcelona progress to semi-finals of the Copa del Rey

Barcelona overcame a 2-0 deficit in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-final with a superb performance to beat Sevilla 6-1 in the second leg at the Camp Nou. Philippe Coutinho’s confidence flowed after a long time, and Lionel Messi’s magnificent skill and ability was on display yet again.

Although Sevilla registered the first shot, Barcelona were awarded a penalty in the 12th minute. Lionel Messi was taken down by Quincy Promes. The captain gave the penalty away to Philippe Coutinho, who is bereft of confidence. But the Brazil did not disappoint, firing it past Juan Soriano.

Promes was involved in a great opportunity for Sevilla. He made a brilliant run down the right flank before putting in a great cross. André Silva’s back-heeled attempt was saved by Jasper Cillessen with brilliance, and hit the post before going out.

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But just after that, Los Nervionsenses had a chance from the penalty spot after Gerard Piqué clipped defensive midfielder Roque Mesa in the box. But Cillessen made his second great save of the match, pushing away Éver Banega’s poorly struck penalty to keep Barça’s hopes alive.

Moments later, Lionel Messi had an opportunity at the other hand. But Soriano saved it. But Barça equalised on aggregate in the 31st minute, with an absolutely brilliant finish by former Sevilla captain Ivan Rakitić.

Arthur saw the Croatian midfielder making a run in behind the Sevilla defence. He released Rakitić with a brilliant ball. Rakitić put a deft touch on the ball to simply roll it past a wrong-footed Juan Soriano. But his celebrations were restrained due to his history at the club.

Barça finally took the lead in the 53th minute. Luis Suárez floated in a low cross, finding the onrushing Philippe Coutinho. The 26-year old forward completed his brace with a glancing header, whose mere power beat Soriano in the Sevilla goal.

The side extended the lead in the 55th minute. A poor clearance from a Sevilla defender led to a move started by Sergi Roberto with a lofted ball to Leo Messi. The Argentine maestro cut in before putting through a delicate, perfectly weighted pass to complete the one-two.

The Spanish right-back provided a clinical finish into the bottom left corner. Sevilla replied 10 minutes later, after Jasper Cillessen’s poor clearance led to the Rojiblancos regaining possession in a dangerous spot. In the end, Guilherme Arana’s powerful drive found the right corner.

Barça had a golden opportunity to finish off the game. Luis Suárez was found with an absolutely delightful ball from Sergio Busquets. The 32-year old Uruguayan centre-forward passed it to Lionel Messi instead of taking the chance himself.

But in the rarest of rare occasions, Leo Messi’s shot was misplaced. With a clear goal, the Argentina international put it against Juan Soriano. Over the course of the next few opportunities, Barça had a few more chances and finally converted in the 89th minute.

In a counter-attack off a Sevilla corner, Messi’s sprint led to the ball at the feet of Jordi Alba. The speedster put it in Suárez’s path for ‘El Pistolero’ to tap it in and make it 5-1. Finally, Messi scored to finish off a dazzling team move which he started himself.

Of course, Leo Messi has to bag the man-of-the-match award with involved in 3 goals. But Philippe Coutinho is close behind, with his confidence returning after a period of very poor form. Jordi Alba was also sublime, collecting 2 assists.