On February 5, Barcelona will clash with Sevilla in one of the most highly-anticipated matches of the season.
While at opposite ends of the spectrum, both sides desperately need the points, indicating that we’ve got a fantastic night’s entertainment ahead.
It’s no secret that Barca have struggled over the last few years. With a plethora of issues, the once-great side tumbled down the footballing pyramid. But when all hope seemed lost, they secured the services of club legend, Xavi.
The former midfielder injected an instant sense of positivity and, above all else, discipline. With an emphasis on professionalism, the gaffer enforced a series of strict rules, including the players having to turn up 90 minutes early for training and allowing him to track their off-the-pitch activities.
And it didn’t take long for his plan to come to fruition. His side embarked on a 13-match unbeaten run, featuring a 4-0 win over fierce rivals, Real Madrid. However, this year, the Spanish legend wants to go a step further and win the Santander La Liga. But with Sevilla dangling just two points above the relegation zone, they won’t give in without a fight, making this a collision fans can’t afford to miss.
Read: Iñaki Williams La Liga record ends after missing first match in seven years (sporf.com)
Barcelona vs Sevilla: UK start time
Sunday night’s fixture, which kicks off at 8 PM at the Nou Camp, will give two players an opportunity to do the business over their old side.
Ivan Rakitic made 200 appearances for Barca before making his move to Sevilla and will look to produce a big performance in front of the spectators, who once chanted his name.
But there’s no doubt Jules Kounde will have a thing or two to say about that. The Frenchman rose to prominence with ‘Los Nervionenses’ before signing with their rivals.
This marks the second time the 24-year-old will face his former club. Last time out, he set up two goals in a 3-0 victory.
How to watch Barcelona vs Sevilla
In news that will undoubtedly delight fans, the fixture is available on terrestrial TV via ITV 4. Plus, there are more ways than ever to watch LaLiga this season, with unrivalled access through ViaPlay, ITV, LaLigaTV and LaLigaSportsTV.
But while many are viewing this encounter as a mere battle between two of Spain’s greatest sides, some are reading between the lines. The titanic clash has undertones of a World Cup final rematch, with Barca’s French players, Ousmane Dembélé and Koundé, both desperate for revenge over the men who defeated them in Qatar.
Thus, Gonzalo Montiel, Marcos Acuña and Papu Gómez will have to keep their eye on the ball, especially Montiel, who scored the winning penalty in what was quite possibly the best final in World Cup history.
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