Tough Game Against Seville Ends In Draw

Barcelona FC met last night with Seville in an outstanding game. They were doing everything possible to win, but was blocked by an inspired Javi Varas, Seville’s goalkeeper who saved a last minute penalty from Leo Messi.

The visit from in-form side Seville to the Camp Nou was a great test for the Catalans. The first 30 minutes saw Barcelona in control of the game and with a change in formation they looked far superior but the goals never came for them. The chief culprit was visiting goalkeeper Javi Varas, who also saved a penalty from Messi in a controversial end to the game.

From the start of the game both keepers, who are in good form, were to become the stars of the show. First, Javi Varas, Seville’s keeper, stopped a stinging shot from Andrés Iniesta in the 9th minute with his feet. Then Victor Valdes saved his team with two saves from Navas and then Armenteros. Barcelona started out with a 3-4-3 formation, which turned into 4-3-3 after 30 minutes of the match. Up until then the Catalans had been on the attack, but were unable find space in the middle of the pitch against a well organized Seville who had come here to play football.

With their new formation in place, Barcelona started to find ways to play down the wings: Messi drifting off to the right, and Iniesta playing to the left, with Alves and Adriano coming forward as well. This obviously caused problems for Seville, who had been quite comfortable until then. Just before the half time whistle, Varas saved from David Villa after a fine team effort down the left flank, and just before the break, he also denied Messi a goal. There had been very few chances in the first half, but some really clear ones. ??

Barca then turned up the power and increased their domination of the game after the break. The Catalans pushed forward, and Seville put their trust in the occasional counter-attack. Javi Varas then pulled off another good save from an Andrés Iniesta shot at 54 minutes. More possible goals from Messi, Villa, and Adriano, all went wide of the net. Barca coach Pep Guardiola then made an attacking change, bringing on Pedro for Keita after 62 minutes. Barcelona then spearheaded more attacks led by the awesome Xavi.

The final minutes of play saw Barcelona FC in control and on top, taking risks against a very defensive Seville who could not find the ball. In injury time, Iniesta forced Barca’s first penalty in 7 matches. Tensions were high before Messi was able to take the penalty, with Seville protesting the decision by the ref. There entailed some pushing and shoving, and Freddie Kanoute was sent off for his conduct. Cesc Fabregás also got a yellow for his bit part in the fracas. Javi Varas then saved Messi’s penalty, but the team then received a fantastic ovation from their fans.