Barcelona: La Liga president discusses financial woe
Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman saw the sack pressure eased on himself after the club’s 3-0 win over Sevilla on Wednesday night. The Catalan giants went into the Copa del Rey fixture 2-0 down from the first leg. But goals from Ousmane Dembele, Gerard Pique and Martin Braithwaite sent them through.
Barcelona were well beaten by Sevilla last time out, with Ivan Rakitic and Jules Kounde on target.
But Koeman has orchestrated an impressive turnaround in the aftermath of that result and, on Wednesday night, Julen Lopetegui’s side were put to the sword.
Dembele scored in the 12th minute, with Marc-Andre Ter Stegen then saving a penalty in the second half.
Pique rose highest to equalise in injury time and, after the game went into extra time, Braithwaite struck to secure the win.
It was a huge night for Barcelona and Express Sport will now look at the four players who must now deliver on a regular basis.
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Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong was a slick operator in Sevilla Copa del Rey win (Image: GETTY)
Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong hasn’t set the world alight since moving to Barcelona from Ajax back in the summer transfer window of 2019.
Yet the Netherlands international was neat and tidy against Sevilla, barely giving the ball away as Koeman’s side reigned supreme.
De Jong was slick, showing patience in the middle of the park - while also getting the better of Fernando.
If he continues like this, he may just well be Xavi’s heir.
There’s still plenty of work to do but De Jong’s performance was another positive for Barcelona on an enthralling night of football.
Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele celebrates his goal in Sevilla Copa del Rey win (Image: GETTY)
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Antoine Griezmann
There have been some strong rumours about Antoine Griezmann going round recently.
The France international could be sold by Barcelona, having struggled to meet expectations following his arrival from Atletico Madrid nearly two years ago.
But Griezmann, though he didn’t score, was a potent threat against Sevilla.
His cross led to Pique’s goal and it was rather poetic given their on-field war of words in the recent 4-1 Champions League defeat to Sevilla.
Should Griezmann finally manage to achieve consistency, Barcelona will be all the better for it.