Star-studded Barcelona was frustrated by last year’s UEFA Cup winners Sevilla in an exciting match played at the Estadio Ramoa Sanchez Pizjuan on Saturday.
An impressive start by the home side ensured a competitive match-up, with Victor Valdes in the Barcelona goal being made to work early in the first half. A Daniel Alves free-kick forced the Barca goalkeeper into an early acrobatic save.
Returning from a disappointing show at the just-ended African Cup of Nations, striker Freddie Kanoute came close to putting the hosts ahead with a volley from close-range mid-way in the first chapter. But Sevilla’s relentless pressure paid off a few minutes later when a beautifully-worked move started with inspirational Alves finding a well-positioned Jesus Navas before falling graciously for teen-ager Capel who made no mistake in front of goal.
The Catalans came to life in the second half thanks to a judicious move by tactician Frank Raijkaard when he brought on former Player of the Year Ronaldinho. Having the Brazilian on the pitch was in itself enough to inspire the visitor’s midfield who, after a swift pass by Argentine sensation Lionel Messi, found the solution to their problem when celebrated Spain playmaker Xavi slotted past Andres Palop with only fourteen minutes left on the clock.
A late sending-off for Mali international Seydou Keita gave Barca a chance to increase their tally, but Raijkaards men failed to take advantage with so little left on the clock.
The draw means that Barcelona stay on second place after their fierce rivals Real Madrid trounced Valladolid 7-0.
An impressive start by the home side ensured a competitive match-up, with Victor Valdes in the Barcelona goal being made to work early in the first half. A Daniel Alves free-kick forced the Barca goalkeeper into an early acrobatic save.
Returning from a disappointing show at the just-ended African Cup of Nations, striker Freddie Kanoute came close to putting the hosts ahead with a volley from close-range mid-way in the first chapter. But Sevilla’s relentless pressure paid off a few minutes later when a beautifully-worked move started with inspirational Alves finding a well-positioned Jesus Navas before falling graciously for teen-ager Capel who made no mistake in front of goal.
The Catalans came to life in the second half thanks to a judicious move by tactician Frank Raijkaard when he brought on former Player of the Year Ronaldinho. Having the Brazilian on the pitch was in itself enough to inspire the visitor’s midfield who, after a swift pass by Argentine sensation Lionel Messi, found the solution to their problem when celebrated Spain playmaker Xavi slotted past Andres Palop with only fourteen minutes left on the clock.
A late sending-off for Mali international Seydou Keita gave Barca a chance to increase their tally, but Raijkaards men failed to take advantage with so little left on the clock.
The draw means that Barcelona stay on second place after their fierce rivals Real Madrid trounced Valladolid 7-0.
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