Lionel Messi was the saviour as Barcelona survived a scare from Sevilla, after coming from two goals down to earn a point. The LaLiga leaders needed two late goals to deny Sevilla what would have been a memorable victory.
Sevilla were absolutely brilliant, and deservedly took a first half lead thanks to a Franco Vazquez’s strike.
Luis Muriel doubled the home side’s advantage after the break, before two late goals from Barca ensured a dramatic finish to a very exciting match.
First, Messi replaced Ousmane Dembele in the second half, having started on the bench following a knock he picked up while on international duties with Argentina.
But it wasn’t until late into the game that the Argentine made his presence felt.
With two minutes left on the clock, Sevilla thought they had done enough, but Luis Suarez gave Barca hope when he pulled a goal back in the 88th minute.
A minute after Suarez’s goal, Messi ensured the spoils were shared as he equalised for the away side, breaking the hearts of the home fans.
A remarkable end to the game, but Sevilla would be wondering how they let a two goal lead slip.
Nevertheless, the win means Ernesto Valverde’s men maintain their unbeaten run in the league, but see their lead reduced to 12points.
They remain on course to win the league, however, but for Sevilla, they stay sixth and let slip an opportunity to move fifth and above Villarreal, who are now just a point behind that them.
Meanwhile, at the Gran Canaria stadium, Barca’s fiercest rivals, Real Madrid moved to within a point of city rivals, Atletico Madrid, following their impressive win against Las Palmas.
Madrid were without their talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo, but Gareth Bale ensured he was hardly missed as Los Blancos thrashed their hosts 3-0.
Bale scored a brace, including a second half penalty, with the third coming thanks to Frenchman, Karim Benzema.
It was fourth successive victory in the league for Zinedine Zidane’s defending champions, but while they remain third on the log, they are now just a point behind Atletic, who play on Sunday, and 13 adrift of Barcelona.
Full Results
Girona 1-1 Levante
Athletic 1-1 Celta Vigo
Las Palma 0-3 R Madrid
Sevilla 2-2 Barcelona
