Barcelona scored twice in the second period to record a 2-1 win over Sevilla at Camp Nou on Saturday.
The home side had plenty of possession in the first half, but they fell behind after 42 minutes when Alberto Botia headed home from close range.
Barcelona were level early in the second half, however, when David Villa headed home following a Dani Alves cross.
The turnaround was complete just before the hour mark when Lionel Messi converted from close range to score his 38th league goal of the season.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two La Liga rivals.
Match statistics:
Barcelona:
Shots: 10
On target: 3
Possession: 67%
Corners: 10
Fouls: 10
Sevilla:
Shots: 7
On target: 4
Possession: 33%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 11
Was the result fair?
On the balance of play, Barcelona just about deserved to take all three points this evening. They were poor in the first period and deservedly trailed at the interval, but they were much-improved after the break. Sevilla impressed with their work-rate and passing in the early stages, but were guilty of sitting back when Barcelona levelled the scores.
Barcelona's performance
The Catalan outfit were poor in the first period but impressive in the second. Both goals were of the highest quality, with Sevilla unable to live with the quickness of their passing. They have certainly played better this season, but ultimately it is another three points as they prepare to face Real Madrid twice in the next week.
Sevilla's performance
Sevilla will probably feel that they were worth a point this evening, but they were guilty of playing into Barcelona's hands when they fell behind. It was a strange decision not to start Alvaro Negredo, but the striker missed a glorious chance to level in the latter stages. In terms of their overall performance, they can be quite happy.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Cristian Tello: Barcelona had no variety, no width and no pace in the first period. But that all changed when the young winger was introduced. He gave the Sevilla defence all sorts of problems with his direct running, while he set up the winner for Messi.
Biggest gaffe of the match
Alexis Sanchez is really struggling this season. The Chilean's problems continued in this match as he wasted possession on a number of occasions before being replaced at the interval.
Referee performance
Carlos Velasco had a productive 90 minutes of action this evening. The Spaniard was a spectator in the first period with few challenges of note, but he was busier in the second 45 minutes. Neither team will have had any complaints about his performance.
What next?
Barcelona: The Catalan outfit host Real Madrid in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final on Tuesday before welcoming the Spanish champions in the league next Saturday.
Sevilla: Sevilla are also in Copa del Rey action against Atletico Madrid in midweek, before welcoming Celta Vigo in the league next Monday.
Matt Law
