Barca lost to Sevilla in the King's Cup
Barca lost 0-2 in the first leg of the quarter-finals away on the evening of January 23.
Leaving Messi out of the squad, while Luis Suarez started on the bench, Barca had a big problem in attack. The Cup holders only created one chance in the first half, which came through Malcom, who dribbled past goalkeeper Juan Soriano but shot wide.
Having joined Barca for just one day, new signing Kevin-Prince Boateng has not shown much in the role of false striker. The Ghanaian player started until the 63rd minute before having to leave the field to make way for Luis Suarez.
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Luis Suarez warms up on the pitch and watches Sevilla take the lead. Photo:Reuters |
With home advantage, plus not having to worry too much about Barca's attack, Sevilla played much more effectively than in previous confrontations. In the first half, the home team had two clear chances.
Continuing to play sharply after the break, Sevilla received a worthy reward in the 58th minute. After a cross from the left wing, Pablo Sarabia rushed in to volley the opening goal.
Barca sent Suarez in right after the first goal but could not change the game. In the 76th minute, after a pass from Ever Banega, Ben Yedder scored from close range to seal the victory for Sevilla.
With a 2-0 first-leg defeat, Barca are in danger of being eliminated from the Copa del Rey for the first time in five years. Sevilla are in good form and it will be difficult for Barca to turn things around in the return leg at the Nou Camp next week.
