Barcelona dropped their first factors of the season on Sunday as Sevilla made an announcement of intent in La Liga’s title race by drawing 1-1 at Camp Nou. Luuk de Jong gave Sevilla an early lead and whereas Philippe Coutinho levelled two minutes later, the guests have been arguably the higher facet in a frantic contest. The draw brings an finish to Ronald Koeman’s good begin as Barca coach however he may not be too displeased with a degree, even when his staff additionally had possibilities to grab a winner. “We have been much less energetic than within the first two video games however that additionally is dependent upon the opposition,” mentioned Koeman. “They’ve defended effectively.”
Real Madrid are three factors forward of Barcelona however having performed a sport extra, after their 2-Zero win over Levante earlier on Sunday despatched them to the highest of the desk.
Objectives from Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema sealed victory for the reigning champions, who’ve now received three video games on the bounce.
Neither Madrid nor Barca are anticipated to be busy on the final day of the switch window on Monday, with each golf equipment discovering themselves financially restricted by the coronavirus pandemic.
However some gamers may very well be allowed to depart and it was noticeable that Koeman left Ousmane Dembele on the bench, whilst his staff looked for a winner.
Koeman most popular to deliver on the youthful duo of Francisco Trincao and Pedri.
“Issues can occur,” mentioned Koeman afterwards when requested about Dembele. “Proper now he is a Barca participant, let’s have a look at. There may be at some point left, gamers can are available in or exit.”
Antoine Griezmann additionally supplied little or no down the suitable however the Frenchman shall be given extra time beneath Koeman.
Luka Jovic was dropped to the bench by Zinedine Zidane and never introduced on, however he’s anticipated to remain after the departure of Borja Mayoral to Roma.
De Jong put Sevilla in entrance after eight minutes as Barcelona did not react to a brief nook after which did not clear, the ball sitting up properly for the striker to smash in.
‘We needed to endure’
However the lead lasted lower than two minutes, an excellent, curved ball excessive by Lionel Messi inflicting panic within the Sevilla defence, the place Jesus Navas slid to intercept however solely teed up the resurgent Coutinho to complete.
Messi despatched a bending shot previous the far publish and Ansu Fati hit straight on the goalkeeper however Sevilla have been those within the ascendancy.
Barcelona struggled to get out from the again beneath strain from Sevilla’s excessive press and Ronald Araujo virtually scored an personal aim, spared by the publish after Youssef En-Nesyri’s run down the left.
Trincao and Pedri have been each thrown on by Koeman and Trincao might need received it after being put by by Messi late on. However Sevilla goalkeeper Bono made the cease to earn his staff a deserved level.
Madrid, in the meantime, registered a 3rd clear sheet in 4 video games to see off Levante as Vinicius and a late strike from Benzema sealed victory.
“We needed to endure,” mentioned Zinedine Zidane. “We had possibilities within the second half to kill the sport and that may have made it totally different. We suffered loads as a result of in addition they had possibilities.”
Zidane’s staff have turn into one thing of a defensive juggernaut after their solidity and resilience fashioned the idea of their profitable title bid final time period.
Levante have managed just one victory from their first 4 matches and this defeat meant they dropped into the relegation locations.
Vinicius gave Madrid the lead after 16 minutes when Levante did not clear a nook and the Brazilian calmly curled in for his second aim in as many video games.
He may have made it two however overhit a go meant for Benzema after which Levante hit the crossbar, Nikola Vuckevic on the again publish virtually capitalising on some hesitation from Thibaut Courtois.
Levante discovered it troublesome to deal with Madrid’s urgent and Benzema and Vinicius each ought to scored when twice they received the ball again in harmful positions.
Promoted
Sergio Ramos additionally had a headed aim dominated out for offside however Levante went near a late equaliser as Clerc and Enis Bardhi each examined Courtois.
As an alternative, Benzema tore away on the break in injury-time and completed to finish a convincing win.
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