Sevilla have been in poor form recently, but this away game against Barca is just one of the challenges on their future Devils fixtures
Barcelona will sit at Camp Nou at 03:00 Beijing time on Monday to meet Sevilla, and the outcome of this match will have a big impact on this season's La Liga rankings.
Last December, the two sides drew 1-1 at the Pizjuan Stadium, shortly after Xavi Hernández took over the Red and Blues, and the new signings of the powerful striker had not yet joined. But in the months since, Barca have come back in form, climbing steadily and are now in third place in the table, where they hope to move up to second place by beating the Andalusian side. Barca are currently three points behind Sevilla, who are 57 points behind, with one less round.
Julen Lopetegui's side has been behind the lead Real Madrid after overtaking Atletico Madrid in the first weekend of December last year. But their second-place position in the table is already under threat after a few disappointing race results and they are about to face one of the toughest challenges of the season at the weekend – away to in-form Barcelona. Sevilla must keep the team on track to avoid falling short at the end of the season.
Although the Andalusian team have won just one of their last five league games, Barca are still not to be taken lightly, as Sevilla's only win in the last five games is Real Betis, suggesting that they may be able to play better in the face of pressure.
Both teams are well-qualified
Both teams have a lot of efficient players in the forward position. Sevilla welcomed Erik Lamela's return from injury in the international matchday match against Real Sociedad, who they hope the Argentine can replicate the amazing performance of two three goals when he first came to the team.
Lopetegui also has a number of players who can break through Barca's high press, including Youssef En-Nesyri, Anthony Martial, Jesús Corona, Lucas Ocampos and former Barca striker Munir El Haddadi. The manager wants them to bounce back and get back in shape during the international break. Sevilla are currently nine points behind Real Madrid and if they can beat Barca in this game, they will regain their morale to win the title.
Barcelona, for their 4-0 win over Real Madrid just before their international day, are in good shape. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has scored seven goals in his last five La Liga games, is Barca's best-in-form player, while Ferran Torres and Ousmane Dembélé have also played well on the flanks. Midfielders Sergio Busquets, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong have played well in the national derby, believing they will not be weak against former teammate Ivan Rakiti.
Facing one of the toughest and most well-organized defences in the league, Barca must always be at their best if they want to score. But the Red and Blues can't be too arrogant about their attacking power, especially when they score four goals against Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, Napoli and Valencia. They are convinced that the team can score at home and even retain a glimmer of hope of a title race at the end of the season.
Barca boss Xavi also said after the national German match: "I don't know if we can win the championship, but anything is possible, we will continue to work hard". It also shows Barcelona's all-out commitment to winning this race.