Sevilla 2-1 Barcelona: Highlights and 5 Talking Points

A resolute Sevilla resisted a late onslaught from Barcelona as they downed the Catalans 2-1 at home in a historic victory and crawled their way into the top half of the table for the first time this season. The visitors, playing their first league game since losing their talisman Lionel Messi to injury, suffered their second successive away defeat in the league, blowing a chance to move to the top of the standings.Having come close to finding the net through Neymar and Luis Suarez in the first half, the holders were punished for their profligacy when Krohn-Dehli steered a shot past Claudio Bravo to give the home side the lead. And the reigning Europa League champions quickly doubled their lead when the Dane laid an audaciously chipped cross to Iborra, who headed into the bottom corner just six minutes laterThe Blaugrana halved the deficit when Neymar slotted home a controversial penalty, as they continued to huff and puff in search of their equaliser. Sevilla, however, withstood a sustained assault from the visiting outfit and eked out a victory over their Catalan counterparts for the first time in La Liga since 2007. </ifra <p>Here are the five talking points from the thriller at Roman Sanchez Pizjuan.</p>

#1 Sevilla execute their plan to perfection

It appeared as if Sevilla had learnt a lesson from their 5-4 defeat at the hands of Barcelona two months ago in the UEFA Super Cup. Manager Unai Emery must have done his homework before the game and that clearly reflects not just by the scoreline, but also by the manner in which his side dispatched.

Having identified the Achilles heel in the form of Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto on the either flanks, Sevilla attacked relentlessly from the wings, stretching the visiting defence inside out. Kevin Gameiro especially stood out for the hosts and took the Barcelona rearguard to the cleaners with his clever movements and crosses in dangerous areas.

The Andalusian side found their breakthrough when Sergi Roberto was out of position, allowing Gameiro to drill a cross for Krohn-Dehli to smash home. With the likes of Vicente Iborra, Grzegorz Krychowiak and Stephen N'Zonzi manning the midfield, the home side held an aerial advantage over the Catalans and made the most of it when an unmarked Iborra rose high enough to head Krohn-Dehli’s cross.

Sevilla aimed at pouncing on Barcelona’s defensive frailties, and executed their plan to perfection.