Ejuke returns to little effect as 10-man Barcelona thump Sevilla

Feast, then famine. The opening exchanges treated viewers to a delicacy, with both sides scoring insides ten minute. The rest of the first-half, however, was listless. Barcelona put on a clinic in the second-45 to blow Garcia Pimenta away, underscoring their devastating offensive qualities.

The Madrid derby yesterday came bearing gifts for Barcelona's league title ambitions. The draw meant a victory today would help Hansi Flick's side take strides towards the top of the log, and they did not waste the opportunity. While still 3rd, the Blaugrana are now only two points behind 1st-placed Real Madrid and one away from Atletico.

The visitors made their intentions clear from the outset, scoring within seven minutes through a cleverly executed corner routine. Raphinha's inviting delivery was met by Inigo Martínez, who headed the ball into the path of Robert Lewandowski, and the Polish striker made no mistake in prodding home.

Sevilla equalised just a minute later. The hosts sliced through the Barcelona defence with ease, as Saul burst through on goal and squared the ball for Ruben Vargas to fire home.

Both sides had decent chances to score a second before half-time, but neither side really dominated proceedings.

The second half began in similar fashion to the first, with Barcelona scoring within a minute of the restart. Pedri's floated delivery was met by Fermín Lopez, who nodded home to restore Barcelona's lead.

Barcelona clinched security in the 55th minute, as Raphinha powered home his 13th league  goal of the season from the edge of the box to give his side much-needed cushion. 

The visitors were dealt a blow when Lopez was sent off following a reckless challenge, but Sevilla failed to capitalise on the man advantage. Instead, Barcelona added a fourth goal late on through an Eric García header.