Barcelona Vs Sevilla Football Match Score 6 February 2023
Barcelona face a hectic run of games in the coming weeks, going up against Villarreal, Manchester United twice and then heading into three Clasicos, rotation is a must. Thus, the manager could be tempted to explore a different formation against a struggling Sevilla.
One of Xavi’s best options could be to revert to a traditional 4-3-3 on the night, bringing back Ansu Fati or Ferran Torres into the starting lineup. The Spaniard would start on the left, with Lewandowski and Raphina completing the forward trident.
It took a long time for Xavi Hernandez to wrap his head around the best XI he had at his disposal. The so-called ‘Gala team’ has been in the making for over a year, but there always seemed to be something lacking.
It was only when the manager took the road not taken that the switch suddenly clicked. As he fiddles around more with the unconventional formation, it became increasingly clear that a four-man midfield suited the Barcelona squad. Xavi has thus stuck with the working formula in recent games. His setup now comprises of Sergio Busquets as the lone pivot with Frenkie de Jong and Pedri as the interiors.
While the former does venture forward in attacks, he has a significant role in holding the fortress, while Pedri is given a more free run in the final third. Gavi forms the final cog, starting on the left wing and drifting centrally to make menacing runs into the box.
The newfound system undoubtedly suits the Catalans, but there are questions about its sustainability in the given schedule. Since the setup requires all four of Xavi’s top midfielders to be on the field, it is not feasible to use it in every game.
Following an impressive win away to Real Betis to maintain their five-point lead at the top of the La Liga table, Barcelona return to action with another big league game against a team from Seville as they welcome Sevilla to the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday Night Fútbol.
After two weeks of poor performances and nail-biting wins Barça finally played great football again, dominating Betis for all 90 minutes and getting three big points at one of the toughest grounds in the country. The Blaugrana have a perfect record in 2023 and are currently on pace for 100 points in the league, but staying ahead of Real Madrid and winning the title is the only priority. Records are secondary.
This team is a force defensively and is slowly starting to develop a very nice attacking system since Xavi Hernández made the change to a four-midfielder formation with Sergio Busquets, Frenkie De Jong, Pedri and Gavi all together to control the most important area of the pitch and create chances for the forwards. This team could be devastating once Ousmane Dembélé returns from injury, but for now it’s all about getting better, playing well and continuing to win games.
And on paper they have a really good chance to win this one: Sevilla have had a tragic season and are already eliminated from every Cup competition and would need a miracle to even have a shot at playing European football next season, and Jorge Sampaoli is an enigmatic, unpredictable presence who could all of a sudden decide to leave and return to South America where he is seen and treated almost like a coaching god (like, seriously).
But for now he’s staying in Seville, and the team is slowly starting to show signs of life. Sampaoli constantly changes personnel and formations and wants his team to play expansive, possession-based attacking football no matter the opposition. They’re still in a relegation fight but could move to a comfortable position in mid-table with a good month, and causing an upset at Camp Nou would be a major confidence boost.
Despite their terrible record and inconsistent form they have a whole lot of talent in midfield and attack and could cause plenty of problems if they can build from the back against the Barça press and find spaces inside the Blaugrana defense. They cannot be taken for granted and will present a challenge, but Barça have the better team, are playing at home and are almost guaranteed a clean sheet these days.
If the attack can function against what might be an open Sevilla defense, they could win easily. If they don’t bring their A-game from the very beginning, this could get tense. It’s about being professional, intense and clinical to create chances, score some goals and get three more points.
Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski scored one each after the break to lead the Blaugrana to their 16th victory in 19 LaLiga Santander games this season. The hosts remain top of the league table with 50 points, while Sevilla currently sit 13th with 21 points.
Jorge Sampaoli’s side have managed to escape from the relegation zone after grabbing a well-earned 3-0 victory at home against a struggling Elche, but now face a very different test.
Robert Lewandowski has been one of Barcelona’s most successful signings in recent seasons. The Polish International is just six months into his career in Spain, but has already broken several records and is on track for a special season.
Halfway through the season, he is already three points clear on the top scorers’ list in La Liga with 14 games. Not to mention, he missed three games over the past two weeks through suspension.
Lewy’s influence on Barcelona is, however, not limited only to goals. The 34-year-old is one of the team’s most vocal leaders on the field and can often be seen pushing his comrades on.
Despite a fiery start to the season, the former Bayern Munchen man has slowed down in recent games. He has not seen regular game time since the end of the FIFA World Cup, and the rustiness is evident in his movements on the field.
Lewandowski scored Barcelona’s match-winning goal against Real Betis midweek but was invisible for the remaining 89 minutes that he was on the field. While his rustiness may have no bearing on his goalscoring output, Xavi will hope for Lewy to return to his imperial best soon and take the Catalans’ build-up play to the next level.
