Spanish Supercopa: Sevilla-Barcelona, What happened in the first leg
A weaker Barcelona side containing a number of Barcelona B players managed to take the lead against Sevilla on August 14, on 20 minutes. Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic amazingly received a pass from Maxwell before placing the ball past Andre Palop at the surprise of his opposing defenders. Instead of killing the Andalusians, the introduction of Lionel Messi rather strengthened the hosts who started who feel the game’s powerful heat.
After the hour mark, Brazilian superstar Luis Fabiano stunned the Barcelona defense with a low shot, and Malian legend Kanoute then came off the bench to bury the Catalans. It was with the nice help of Alvaro Negredo and Diego Perotti that the 2008 African Footballer of the Year was capable of scoring a late double to give Sevilla a 2-goal advantage ahead of the Spanish Supercopa’s second leg at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona won last year’s two-legged encounter against Athletic Bilbao as they went on to grab 6 trophies in 2009. This year, having their name excluded from the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup, there is no doubt that they will have to finish with a triumph on aggregate or at least on away goals against Sevilla, so as to get some comfort from last season’s dissatisfactions.
Spanish Supercopa – Quick Reminders on Barcelona and Sevilla
How Barcelona reached the Supercopa?
The 2009 treble champions retained their La Liga title after ending their campaign 3 good points ahead of their archrivals Madrid. They finished with 99 points and with a goal difference equaling +74 after emerged as the team who conceded the fewer goals. Their main player Lionel Messi also appeared to join Brazilian star Ronaldo in the list of La Liga’s highest goalscorers ever.
How Sevilla reached the Supercopa?
Sevilla won the Copa del Rey last season following their victory in the final over Europa League title holders Atletico Madrid. Sevilla defeated Barcelona on their way to success, and on May 19 at the Camp Nou, they brilliantly defeated their challengers thanks to their lucky wingers Diego Capel and Jesus Navas. It was their first trophy in Barcelona’s stadium since 2007, and considering all their efforts and willingness, it was somewhat worth it.
Barcelona and Sevilla: Facts/Statistics
Barcelona in La Liga
Points: 99
Wins: 31
Draws: 6
Loss: 1
Goal scored: 98
Goals allowed: 24
Sevilla in the Copa del Rey
24 October 2009: Ciudad de Lorqui 2-4 Sevilla FC
10 November 2009: Sevilla FC 5-1 Ciudad de Lorqui
5 January 2010: Barcelona 1-2 Sevilla FC
13 January 2010: Sevilla 0-1 Barcelona
20 January 2010: Deportivo La Coruña 0-3 Sevilla FC
27 January 2010: Sevilla FC 0-1 Deportivo La Coruña
03 February 2010: Sevilla FC 2-0 Getafe
10 February 2010: Getafe 1-0 Sevilla FC
May 19 2010: Atletico Madrid 0-2 Sevilla FC
