Lionel Messi’s 89th-minute equaliser preserved Barcelona’s unbeaten run as they came from behind to draw 2-2 at Sevilla on Saturday.
With three minutes remaining, goals from Franco Vazquez and Luis Muriel had Sevilla on track to become the first side to beat Barca in La Liga this season. Luis Suarez bundled home from a corner in the 88th minute to give Ernesto Valverde’s side hope, though, and Messi, who had come on as a second-half substitute, fired home from 25 yards one minute later to complete a remarkable late recovery.
Positives
Barca once again showed they don’t know when they’re beaten. No one would have given them a chance heading into the final five minutes, but with the help of Messi, they somehow managed to flip the game on its head.
Valverde and co are now unbeaten through 30 league games this season and remain on course to end the campaign without tasting defeat. In total, including last year, they haven’t lost in 37 games. They could match the league record, held by Real Sociedad, against Leganes next weekend.
Negatives
Valverde shouldn’t let the euphoria of the late turnaround cloud what was a poor performance. Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti looked out of sorts at the back and Sergio Busquets was a big miss in midfield. Once again, Messi was needed from the bench to sort things out.
Manager rating (out of 10)
6 — Valverde made the right call leaving Messi out of his starting lineup given his hamstring problems over the past two weeks. However, he was perhaps a little slow with his changes. Paulinho and Andres Iniesta remained on for too long without offering enough.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 6 — Could maybe have done better on the first goal but will be more disappointed with the way his pass out from the back led to Sevilla’s second.
DF Sergi Roberto, 6 — Worked hard on the right but didn’t add enough quality, with few signs of a blossoming relationship with Dembele in front of him.
DF Gerard Pique, 4 — Aside from a goal-line clearance from Jesus Navas, he had an off night. Rash in the challenge and frequently left the Sevilla attackers with too much space.
DF Samuel Umtiti, 5 — Should have been closer to Vazquez for Sevilla’s first goal. One of his worst displays of the season.
DF Jordi Alba, 6 — One of Barca’s best players. Was always an option and a threat in attack, although that did mean he left a lot of space behind when chasing the game.
MF Ivan Rakitic, 6 — Hit the post with a header at 2-0 and worked hard to fill in for Busquets, a job he has done well this season when called upon.
MF Paulinho 5 — Continued the trend of poor performances since the turn of the year. Offered little in attack and switched off in defence. Taken off in the second half.
MF Andres Iniesta, 6 — Struggled to control the game without the safety net of Busquets. Improved in the second half but was unable to find or create the necessary space in the final third.
FW Ousmane Dembele, 6 — There were brief glimpses of his pace and trickery but in general he failed to get going. Sacrificed for Messi when Sevilla went two goals ahead.
FW Philippe Coutinho, 6 — Created several chances and showed a desire to try to make things happen rather than play it safe. Was key in the comeback.
FW Luis Suarez, 6 — Not his finest night but another hardworking performance saw him rewarded for the goal that set the ball rolling on the turnaround.
Substitutes
FW Lionel Messi, 7 — His introduction signalled a change in Barca’s mentality. Looked unlikely to bring the desired result, though, until a crazy final few minutes.
MF Denis Suarez, NR — Kept the ball well after coming on for Paulinho late on.
FW Paco Alcacer, NR — Introduced for Iniesta to stick to the Sevilla defenders and create space behind for the midfielders.
Samuel Marsden covers Barcelona for ESPN FC. Follow him on Twitter @SamuelMarsden.
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