Sevilla go through to the next round on the away goals rule

Despite beating Sevilla 1-0 thanks to a second half goal from Xavi, Barça were knocked out of the Spanish Cup on the away goals rule (2-2 on aggregate). It’s the first time Guardiola’s Barça have been eliminated from a competition. Barça played to win throughout the 90 minutes and despite securing a narrow win were eliminated by the two goals Sevilla scored in the Camp Nou. The fact that Guardiola fielded a full-strength side (with the exception of Pinto in goal) was a clear indication of his ambition but Sevilla made life difficult at all times. Barça steadily took control of the game, especially in the second half, and threw everything they had at Sevilla. However, a Xavi goal and a Messi effort that hit the woodwork were not quite enough.


There were few clear chances on goal in the first half though Sevilla came close after just two minutes when Pinto saved from Romaric. Barça had to wait until the 27th minute to enjoy their first real chance but Ibra fired just wide from inside the goal area. Almost immediately Messi tested Palop in the Sevilla goal with a vicious shot from the edge of the box.


Barça started the second half strongly. A great move from Iniesta  a right footed shot from Messi and another with the left foot from Henry ) all paved the way for the only goal of the night. Xavi latched on the ball outside the box and finally shot past Palop to make it 0-1 .  Messi shot wide and  hit the post and Sevilla held on to go through to the next round