FC Barcelona vs Sevilla – Second Leg (0-2): Match Preview
Barcelona and Sevilla will meet for the second time in the last week, and the third time within a month. The second leg of the Copa Del Rey is up for play, with ‘Los Sevillanos’ leading the tie by two goals to nil. Barcelona have it all to do if they want to reach the final of the Copa Del Rey, with either Athletic Bilbao or Levante awaiting.
Barcelona Team news
Ronald Araujo suffered a relapse of his ankle injury against Sevilla over the weekend and remains a doubt for this match. Although Araujo looked fine when he was substituted. However, reliable Sam Marsden of ESPN noted how he was missing in training this Tuesday. Instead, Araujo was doing individual work in the gym, which isn’t a positive sign. Pedri also suffered a muscle injury and the club first ruled him out for the second leg. However, miraculously he looks to have recovered in such a short amount of time, and could feature for the second leg.
Philippe Coutinho, Ansu Fati, and Sergi Roberto are long-term injuries for Barcelona and will be unavailable for this match. Ronald Koeman opted for three central defenders last weekend and we could see the same formation again.
Sevilla Team news
As for Sevilla, it was thought that Acuna and Ocampos would be missing for the second leg. However, in a press conference held this Tuesday, Lopetegui raised heads when he stated, “Everyone will travel for tomorrow. We will decide tomorrow which XI is the most appropriate to face the game. When they travel, it’s because they are available”. In a similar situation to that of Pedri, both Acuna and Ocampos were ruled out for the second leg, but could be making their return at the Camp Nou.
Match predictions
The 3-5-2 formation of Barcelona took Sevilla by surprise last weekend. Therefore, Julen Lopetegui will likely take steps to make sure that this does not happen again. The Spaniard’s tactical awareness has been critical to Sevilla’s success this season and Barcelona will have to be wary of the Andalusians’ ability to dominate the ball.
With Lionel Messi on great form however, Barcelona will be looking to turn this tie around. The Catalans need three goals to progress, and will likely start the match in an aggressive and intense manner.
Whatever the result, expect the match to excite, with another mouthwatering fixture awaiting for the blaugranas. Visca Barca!
