Barca show they are a team on a mission against Sevilla

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The Blaugrana fought hard and played smart when the conditions called for it

Don’t let the score line fool you. That was a hard-fought win for Barcelona when faced with two big moments of adversity. And it will serve as a confidence booster that they can find a way to capture critical wins on the road.

The Blaugrana weren’t perfect, and they learned they don’t have to be. The question is how they respond to their mistakes.

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They started the game on the front foot, and seized a well deserved opening goal. On the pursuing kick-off, however, they were caught sleeping in a high line, and Sevilla quickly capitalized.

The rest of the first half was a street fight, but they did well to get to half-time, allowing themselves the opportunity to make adjustments.

And that’s just what Hansi Flick did, making the brave and correct call to replace Gavi with Fermin Lopez. Within minutes of coming on, Fermin scored the go-ahead goal, showing why his killer instinct is such a valuable asset to have off the bench.

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Then, the second big mistake of the game. With 30 minutes left in the match, Fermin made a very reckless and unnecessary lunging tackle in the middle of the pitch, which turned into a red card upon VAR review.

Once again, however, Barcelona didn’t panic. In years past, you would have worried that a meltdown was imminent, but not with this team.

The manager continued to show smart in-game management, taking out Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong, while replacing them with Dani Olmo and Eric Garcia, and moving Raphinha to the center of the frontline.

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The players followed suit, and managed the game with professionalism the rest of the way.

Props to Raphinha for running, running, and then running some more. His work ethnic is a shinning example to his teammates about wearing the colors with pride. The Brazilian got a goal and an assist on the night, but it was his industry off the ball, especially when his team was down a man, that should win him plaudits.

The backline also deserve a lot of credit for digging deep, and repelling everything that Sevilla threw their way. It’s encouraging to see them continue to improve in their relationship with Wojciech Szczęsny. The Polish keeper certainly keeps you on your toes, but you can’t deny the confidence that comes from veteran experience in high pressure moments.

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It’s that time in the season, where if you’re in contention, you put the team above individual achievements. And that’s an important message to take to heart for the players who are leading the league in goals and assists. In this case, Robert Lewandowski had to come off, it was the obvious and necessary tactical move.

That’s what has made this Barcelona team special from the beginning, and why in the end so many of their players are having the best season of their careers. Everyone does better when the team does better.

And now, this team is within two points of Real Madrid at the top of the table. With three critical days off, while Los Blancos will have to expend critical energy to stay alive in the Champions League against Manchester City.

The Blaugrana is right where they want to be.

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And not because they have the most talented team in Spain, although I think they do. But because they are growing into a mature group of winners who are willing to do whatever is required to claim the three points that are on the line.

Against Sevilla, they were calm and confident when the pressure was turned up.

That’s the way forward. If they continue like this, it’s just a matter of time before they find themselves in first place again.

The pressure is now on Real Madrid. Right where the Blaugrana want it.

Source: barcablaugranes.com