There is a rich and long tradition of bullfighting in the Spanish region of Andalucía – especially in Seville. It’s one of those activities that’s causing controversy and public discussions about whether it’s acceptable to kill animals for fun in front of noisy crowds. We won’t get into that today, though, because there is a different kind of beast in Seville tonight.Barcelona is like a wounded lion. The Catalan club is crippled by financial problems, inadequate squad, poor form, the terrible atmosphere among the fanbase and hampered by a heavy burden of unrealistic expectations. Still, you’re bound to be bitten if you underestimate them. They’ve got enough individual quality to hurt any opponent.🗣 Carlo Ancelotti on Real Madrid’s biggest title challengers:”You have to look at the table and so far we have to say that Sevilla is the closest and we have to fight against them. They have quality.” pic.twitter.com/PWr5h1dMnV— GOAL (@goal) December 20, 2021 Sevilla have a chance to join the title race – although none of their players nor coach Julen Lopetegui would say that publicly. They don’t need the fans to get too excited and they certainly don’t need added pressure but, looking from the outside, this season looks like it could be the one.With Barca and Atletico Madrid looking unconvincing to say the least, Real Madrid are considered the prime contenders to top La Liga after all 38 matchdays have been completed. But Los Blancos aren’t untouchable. Their goalless draw against Cadiz at home last weekend suggests that Carlo Ancelotti’s side has a long way to go before anyone begins to consider them superior. They are currently six points above Sevilla in second – but Los Nervionenses do have a game in hand – against Xavi’s struggling stars.Wednesday, 19.00: (4.30) Mensajero (3.40) Cordoba (1.80)Sevilla have the right to believe that, with injured players back and a good January market, they can make history and become Spain’s champions for the first time in 76 years. If they manage to overcome Barca without the help of their injured players such as Youssef En-Nesyri, Jesus Navas, Suso and Erik Lamela, then they won’t be able to escape being labelled as league contenders. But it’s not such a bad label to have.Former Barcelona captain Xavi prevented the red and whites from Andalucia from winning trophies in the past decade or so. Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Dani Alves and many more top-class players had made the Catalan club too strong for Sevilla and many others. But the times have changed. Now Barca coach, Xavi described Sevilla as genuine greats of Spanish football.”Sevilla are good enough to win any competition they are in right now, including La Liga. They’ve become a huge club, they have a spectacular squad, they are a reference for any club, us in particular, in how they sign, how they coach, how they scout.”Rakitic (Sevilla): “I wouldn’t celebrate a goal against Barcelona. I will always carry them with me.” pic.twitter.com/N2CbYo4Imh— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) February 9, 2021 Last weekend, a thumping long-range strike from former Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic and a dramatic late winner from Lucas Ocampos saw Sevilla beat the reigning champions Atletico Madrid. Such a result is sure to instil even more confidence in a well-coached and finely-balanced side. It’s like a wave of positivity that can be ridden tonight. Imagine the mood at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan should Barca fall just three days after Atleti?It’s no bull…LA LIGA – Re-arranged matchesTuesday21.00: (1.40) Villareal (4.50) Alaves (8.50)23.30: (2.55) Sevilla (3.25) Barcelona (2.80)Wednesday21.00: (5.90) Granada (3.70) Atl.Madrid (1.70)23.30: (3.60) Ath.Bilbao (3.40) Real Madrid (2.20)***odds are subject to change
