Three talking points as Barcelona secure 5-2 win over Sevilla in La Liga | OneFootball

FC Barcelona knew that they had a tricky La Liga encounter at home against Sevilla. More than just winning the game, the Catalan club had other things on their mind, including resting some key starters ahead of the Newcastle United game, keeping the pressure on Real Madrid, getting revenge for the 4-1 loss earlier this season, all while making sure they did not get distracted by the presidential elections.

That is a lot of demons to be fighting on different fronts at the same time. Even the most optimistic of Barcelona fans would not have seen last night’s performance coming. Flick’s team secured an important 5-1 victory, with Raphinha netting a hat-trick and Joao Cancelo and Dani Olmo also on the scoresheet.

With all this in mind, here are three talking points for Barcelona from their impressive 5-2 win over Sevilla in La Liga at Spotify Camp Nou.

1: Xavi Espart’s impressive full Barcelona debut

La Masia has this uncanny ability to step up whenever the first team has a crisis. Right now, Hansi Flick has a full-back crisis, with both Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde out injured, and, as reliable as ever, the academy has provided a solution.

Xavi Espart has been in the matchday squads for a couple of gameweeks now and even made his debut for the club against Newcastle United at St James’ Park earlier this week. Against Sevilla, he received his first start for the senior team.

It is safe to say that the 18-year-old defender did not disappoint. He looked comfortable at right-back, both with and without the ball, combined well with Roony Bardghji, and made the correct decision more often than not.

Yes, he may have switched off a bit for Sevilla’s first goal of the night, but that is just a minor blip in an otherwise impressive display. It is the kind of performance that shows everyone that Xavi belongs at this level, and let us hope he becomes a mainstay in the first team in the months to come.

2: Joao Cancelo is at a different level

Barcelona fans were cautiously excited when it was announced back in January that Joao Cancelo would be returning to the club from Al Hilal. The Portuguese full-back has spent the last season and a half away from Europe.

Everyone knew what Cancelo brought to the table, and what he did not. Defensively, there have always been question marks about his ability to handle tricky wingers. In possession, however, there is no need for any introduction to his quality.

Cancelo has surprised everyone with the level at which he has hit the ground running. He looks to be in incredible physical shape, impressing as always going forward, but what has been even more surprising is his defensive acumen.

The Portuguese international has shown an excellent understanding of holding the high line and has not looked ragged defensively. Whenever the opportunity has presented itself, he has defended one-on-one very well, especially in the Newcastle game.

3: Marc Bernal continues to impress

These past few weeks have been game-changing from Marc Bernal’s perspective. It took him months to come back from his ACL injury and return to top form, but the Spaniard has made the most of Pedri’s and, subsequently, Frenkie de Jong’s injuries.

Last night, against Sevilla, the teenager showed excellent positional awareness. As always, Sevilla set up in a man-to-man fashion, and Bernal’s constant movement, in sync with the rest of his teammates, created a lot of opportunities.

The Spaniard was brilliant in the lead-up to Dani Olmo’s goal. He provided the assist for his senior compatriot after occupying a space brilliantly created by Robert Lewandowski. More often than not, his final ball does not disappoint.

Although Bernal may have struggled a bit against Newcastle United in midweek, he bounced back in style. He will be hoping to deliver another impressive display against the Magpies later this week, and we will have to wait and see how things play out.