Barcelona played its best first half of the season in tonight’s game against Sevilla but failed to use the ‘gift’ from Jules Kounde in the second half. After the stupidest act so far this season, the Frenchman was sent off in the 64th minute, but the Catalonians didn’t capitalize on his mistake, and in the end, the result was just like Real Madrid would want: 1-1. Since this was a postponed match since Round 4, the home team had a chance to get closer to the league leaders, but instead of 3, there are now 5 points away from Real. As for Barcelona, the stumbled Catalonian giant will enter the year 2022 with only seventh place. A place that doesn’t even bring her participation in the Conference League.15 – @FCBarcelona attempted 15 shots in the first half against Sevilla (five on target), their best total in a first half of a game this season in all competitions and the best of any team in a first half in @LaLigaEN this season. Momentum. pic.twitter.com/zHRodZui5y— OptaJose (@OptaJose) December 21, 2021 This was not a bad edition of Xavi’s men, certainly better than in some of the previous matches in this and last season, but they lacked courage in this game, especially after Jules Kounde was expelled. The Frenchman, provoked by rumpling, got the ball in his hand and shot Alba in the head from close range. He received a direct red card and left his teammates in the lurch not only for this but also for at least the next two games. Only in the last ten minutes, plus five in injury time, the Catalans moved in front of Sevilla’s goal, but they failed to cash in. Gavi’s inaccurate header, Dembele’s post after a very nice shot in the 84th minute, and Bon’s defense against Alba’s attempt in the last second of the game were all they did.Defensively very well-prepared match between Julen Lopetegui and Xavi Hernandez, as well as the heavy rain in Seville were the main reason why we haven’t seen many opportunities at Ramon Sanchez Pishuan Stadium. The first was seen only in the 22nd minute when Rafa Mir sent the ball behind the back of Ter Stegen, but he was previously offside on a pass from the backline. He masterfully received the ball and shot accurately, it seemed that the Barça defenders were caught asleep, however, it turned out that they successfully made a trap for the rival.That chance aroused determination among the players of Sevilla, who had a problem finding a hole in the defense of the guests, so in the 32nd minute they were encouraged to try to surprise the opponent and – they succeeded. Rakitic sent a low ball from the corner into the heart of the penalty area, something that any well-placed defense could easily solve, however, inexperience in Barcelona’s team came to the fore. Papu Gomez escaped Ezzalzouli, Jutgla did not manage to “patch”, and the precise shot of the Argentine went straight into the net: 1-0.In the last moments of the first half, also from the corner, the guests equalized. The second goal of the season was scored by Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan stopper jumped great, took Fernando in a duel, and shot hard with his head. It seemed that this detail would be an injection of self-confidence for the guests, especially because with 15 shots in the first part of the game, five of which went into the goal, they reminded of some more glorious times of the club. However, more experienced Sevilla players closed all access to their goal, even with a player less. Xavi will have to work a lot more with the young forces he has at his disposal, but displays like this will give hope for better days.LA LIGA ROUND 4Villareal – Alaves 5-2 (2-1)/Moreno 18, 88, Dia 27, 76, Pino 79 – Pons 44, Joselu 65/Sevilla – Barcelona 1-1 (1-1)/Gomez 32 – Araujo 45/
