Barcelona and Sevilla, two of the teams in the best shape in Europe, will meet tonight in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey • Luftaghi: "This is a match that requires a lot from both sides"
Sevilla vs. Barcelona.
Shoulder to shoulder
Photography:
Reuters
Tonight in Sanchez Fijuan, the music of the Champions League will not be played, but two of the teams that are in the best shape in Europe will meet - Barcelona and Sevilla, who probably play better than the efficient Atletico Madrid, who despite Monday's draw against Salta Vigo are still the big favorites to win the Spanish championship.
If tonight's meeting in the Cup had taken place two months ago, there would have been no doubt that the favorite is the team from Andalusia, but now a balanced game is emerging.
This is because Barça, with the arrival of 2021, are back to believing in themselves with six consecutive league victories.
In 11 games in the new year, Ronald Koeman's team has scored 27 goals and although it continues to be scared on defense, on offense it is scary thanks to Messi, De Jong, Alba and Federy.
Even Griezmann and Contrao joined the celebration.
The Catalans return to Sevilla three days after the coup in the same city opposite Betis.
Messi should have been rested for the trophy, but Koeman put him in in the 56th minute because he had to win.
Well, the Argentine came in, scored and Barça did win.
Yolan Luftaghi, whose team has recorded seven wins and 15 assists in its last seven games (in its last four home games in every game three goals), thinks Messi is the best player in the world and knows that the flea loves the games against Sevilla.
In 40 matches against her, the Argentine scored 37 goals, including three "hot tricks" and seven doubles.
Jordi Alba.
Want a ticket to the cup final // Photo: IPI
It's a shame not to see another Argentine who has succeeded since arriving in Sevilla, as Lucas Ocampus will have to watch the game at home after the serious injury at the weekend.
Luckily, the pessimistic estimates did not materialize and he will be absent "only" 6-4 weeks.
But do not worry, there is no shortage of Argentines at the top in Spain.
The last to arrive, Pepo Gomez, has already proved what he is worth when he scores a goal against Hattafa in his debut in Sevilla.
Barça's technical team are brainstorming how to stop next week players like Mbabane and Neymar, but tonight they also have a not-so-simple challenge named Joseph Ann Nasiri, who has scored seven goals in the last six games.
To his characteristic speed, with or without a ball, which he showed in the Legans and Sevilla uniform, he added incredible efficiency in front of goal.
While the Moroccan striker is becoming a goal machine, it is no wonder that Lofty is happy but a little worried, because already now some teams like West Ham are trying to take him.
In terms of injuries, although the veteran and fine player Jose Navas will be absent, Sevilla have an advantage, as Barcelona's injured squad includes Pique, Coutinho, Sergi Roberto, Patti, Araujo, Pianic, Brythwitt and Sergio Dest.
Joseph Ann Nasiri. Does not stop scoring // Photo: GettyImages
Since in the second semi-final they will face Benta and Athletic Bilbao, tonight's game looks like the early final.
In less than a month, two teams (two cup games and a league game) will meet two teams at the best momentum of their season.
There are no better words than Luftaghi's words to sum up: "This is a very nice match, a nice game that requires a lot from both teams."