Los Rojiblancos are set to take on the Catalans tomorrow at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Both teams are on an undefeated run of their own, as they battle to secure a place in the final to face either Bilbao or Levante. It’s Sevilla Vs Barcelona – Copa Del Rey Semi Final.
Match Preview
Sevilla have won their last seven games in all competitions, six of those with a clean sheet. On the other hand, Barca have also won six in a row, although they earned them the hard way. This will be the first of 3 meetings between the two sides within 3 weeks, as they will take on each other in the league tie later this month, just three days before playing the reverse fixture of this cup tie in early March.
Let’s take a look at the two sides as we prepare for the Copa semi final 1st leg matchup.
FC Barcelona
Ever since the defeat in the Super Cup against Athletic Club, Barca have been in a much better form. Although they have been bullying their way to the results, Koeman will take them no matter how. Is it luck or this Barca side is finally learning how to be consistent? The Dutchman decided to rest some key players over the weekend, only to bring them back on to come from behind against Betis and secure the 3 points. It only took 136 seconds for the Argentinian genius to make an impact, scoring the fastest substitute goal in La Liga history. As for the winning goal, the Catalans left it till the 87th minute as TRINCรO scored his first goal for the club with a superb strike.
As for the Copa road, Barcelona were required to put on a miraculous comeback in a thrilling encounter against Granada. Los Blaugranas came back from 2-0 down, in the last couple of minutes in the game, to secure their 13 semi finals appearance in the last 15 seasons. Two of the previous three enounters for Barca have resulted in extra time, how will it be this time?
Sevilla FC
The Andalusian are also in a terrific form, not only putting on an undefeated run but securing clean sheets along with scoring goals. A stat that Lopetegui will try to rely on, at least in the 1st leg at home. Only one point seperate them in the league as they prepare to face each other on matchday 25, just before the 2nd leg of the copa.
Sevilla secured a hard fought win in the league to stay in contention for top 4 finish. The new signing Papu Gomez earned his first goal for the team in his debut, a player that Sevilla will have to rely on more now that Ocampos was injured during that game. The Argentinian was the reason Sevilla are in the semis, as he scored the winning goal against Almeria in the previous round.
Team News
Barcelona were dealt a blow on Monday, as Araujo will join the list of injured players. In addition, Pique and Sergi Roberto remain unavailable, leaving them seriously short at the back.
As for Sevilla, defender Diego Carlos was back to partner Jules Kounde last week, after he recovered from Covid-19. They are also set to welcome back former Barcelona midfielder Rakitic, after serving his one match suspension.
Match Prediction
Sevilla Vs Barcelona – Copa Del Rey Semi Final. Although the Catalans are on a six game winning streak, Sevilla looked much more impressive and consistent on both ends in their run as well. They will rely on their strong defense, as the visitors are likely to enjoy a lot of the ball to try and create. Barca’s defense is struggling, especially after the injuries and with the addition of Papu Gomez, Sevilla has what it takes to stun them. Therefore, Sevilla should at least secure a draw in this game and keep their hopes alive for the next leg.
Current Odds
- Sevilla Win/Draw: 1.66
- Under 2.5 goals: 2.05
- Both Team To Score: 1.61
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