Barcelona 1 - 2 Sevilla: Barca Suffer 2nd Straight Away Defeat

BARCELONA: Champions Barcelona suffered their second defeat in three matches in La Liga on Saturday with Michael Krohn-Dehli scoring and setting up another goal in a 2-1 victory for Sevilla. Denmark international Krohn-Dehli tucked the ball home after 52 minutes following a pass from Kevin Gameiro to give Sevilla the lead and then provided a cross for Vicente Iborra to nod in six minutes later. Neymar scored Barca’s only goal from the penalty spot on his 100th appearance after a 74th minute handball from Benoit Tremoulinas.

Barca, with Lionel Messi absent through injury, hit the woodwork on four occasions but luck was not on their side as they lost their second consecutive away game following their 4-1 defeat by Celta Vigo. For Sevilla, victory was some revenge for their European Super Cup loss in August. “Normally you can expect the highest level from our players,” said Barca coach Luis Enrique. “Coaches and teams look to create the most number of chances. We are not anywhere near our best at the moment but this will change I have no doubt.” Elsewhere, Charles grabbed a hat-trick for Malaga in a 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad who scored through Imanol Agirretxe. Piti’s goal gave Granada a 1-1 draw at home to Deportivo La Coruna after Faycal Fajr had given the visitors the lead. Saul Berjon and Borja Baston struck for Eibar in a 2-0 triumph at Las Palmas.