Paco Alcacer scored twice as Barcelona recorded a 2-1 win over Sevilla in Saturday night's La Liga clash at Camp Nou.
Sevilla equalised early in the second period after battling their way back into the contest, but Alcacer's second of the night in the 65th minute proved to be the difference.
The result means that league leaders Barcelona have again moved four points clear of second-placed Valencia, while the Catalan giants are now 11 points clear of fourth-placed Real Madrid.
Read how it all unfolded in our live minute-by-minute updates from Barcelona.
6.46pmEvening all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from Camp Nou as league leaders Barcelona welcome fifth-placed Sevilla. The home side will be looking to continue their unbeaten start to the campaign, but Sevilla have played some excellent stuff this season, and would move above Real Madrid with a win tonight. Stay tuned for what should be a cracking game of football!
6.49pmBarcelona were victorious in both league matches last season – winning 3-0 at Camp Nou in April and 2-1 at the Estadio Ramon in November 2016. Sevilla's last league victory over Barcelona came in October 2015 – a 2-1 success on home soil. Not since December 2002 have Sevilla won at Barcelona in the league, however, and that is an indication of the size of their task tonight.
6.52pmRight, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Camp Nou. Both sides were in Champions League action during the week – Barcelona drawing 0-0 at Olympiacos on Tuesday night, before Sevilla beat Spartak Moscow 2-1 at home on Wednesday night. Any changes from the two XIs? Let's run through the two starting lineups here...
6.55pmTEAMS!
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Alcacer
SEVILLA: Soria; Corchia, Kjaer, Lenglet, Escudero; N'Zonzi, Banega, Pizarro; Navas, Sarabia; Muriel
6.58pm
A spectacular storm greeted #SevillaFC on arrival in Barcelona today#vamosmisevilla #BarçaSevillaFC pic.twitter.com/Gm39GV3WS8
— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) November 4, 2017
7.02pmThe big team news in the Barcelona camp is that Paco Alcacer starts just his second La Liga match of the season. The 24-year-old is selected alongside Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi in the final third, while Ivan Rakitic returns to central midfield after being left out of the XI for the Olympiacos match. Gerard Pique also returns to the team, replacing Javier Mascherano at centre-back.
7.05pmAs for Sevilla, Jesus Navas, Sebastien Corchia, David Soria and Luis Muriel return to the XI following the Champions League clash against Spartak Moscow on Wednesday night. Nolito and Wissam Ben Yedder both drop to the bench for the visitors, while Brazilian number 10 Ganso is also in reserve tonight. Daniel Carrico and Nico Pareja remain on the sidelines for the Seville outfit.
7.08pmSo there we have it. The two teams are in, and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this stormy evening in Barcelona. I shall speak about the away side a little bit later, but let's start with Barcelona. A sensational start to the 2017-18 La Liga campaign has left the Catalan giants top of the pile on 28 points having won nine and drawn one of their 10 matches to date.
7.12pm
DID YOU KNOW: Since it opened in 1957, @SevillaFC_ENG have only won 3 Liga games at the Camp Nou 🔵🔴 #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/81BhiQJGvm
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 4, 2017
7.15pmIt would be fair to say that a number of Barcelona supporters were concerned after the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid towards the start of August, but Ernesto Valverde's side have been excellent over the last couple of months. They are already eight points clear of fourth-placed Real Madrid in the La Liga table, and would stretch that to 11 points with a win over Sevilla tonight.
7.18pmBarcelona's only dropped points of the season came at Atletico Madrid on October 14, and they have won their last two against Malaga and Athletic Bilbao without conceding. The Catalan giants are the top scorers in La Liga on 28 goals, while they have only conceded three, which is a stunning record.
7.22pmIt would be fair to say that Barcelona were off-colour in their 0-0 draw at Greek outfit Olympiacos in the Champions League on Tuesday night, but they are still in a very strong position in their group, and will look to finish the job with a point at Juventus later this month.
7.25pm
600 - Lionel Messi will be the 3rd player to reach 600 apps for Barcelona, after Andrés Iniesta (642) and Xavi Hernández (767). Milestone. pic.twitter.com/iKHVQLebZs
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 4, 2017
7.28pmIn terms of what is ahead domestically, Valverde's side will travel to Leganes on November 18 in their first match after the international break, before visiting second-placed Valencia. They also have the second leg of their Copa del Rey clash with Real Murcia – holding a 3-0 advantage from the first leg last month. It is a busy few weeks after the latest international break.
7.32pmAs for Sevilla, Eduardo Berizzo's side have collected 19 points from 10 La Liga matches to sit in fifth position. They are only one point off fourth-placed Real Madrid despite losing three times in the league this term. The Seville side have actually lost three of their last five in La Liga, but won 2-1 against Leganes last time out to overcome a very difficult spell. Can they upset Barcelona tonight?
7.35pmAs mentioned, Sevilla will enter this match off the back of a 2-1 win over Spartak Moscow in the Champions League on Wednesday night. The Spanish outfit currently sit second in Group E on seven points, and have a massive game against Liverpool to come at the Estadio Ramon on November 21.
7.38pm
14 - Sevilla have not won any of their last 14 league games vs Barca at the Camp Nou (D2 L12), conceding 38 goals in the process. Defiance. pic.twitter.com/nFJYs4W71A
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 4, 2017
7.42pmSevilla finished fourth in La Liga last season, but they will seemingly face a serious battle from Valencia to secure a Champions League position this term. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will all fancy their chances of finishing in the top four once again, and it does appear that the fourth place will go to either Sevilla or Valencia. As it stands, eight points separates second-placed Valencia from fifth-placed Sevilla in the table. Los Che really have had a stunning start to the 2017-18 campaign.
0 minKICKOFF! Barcelona kick things off at Camp Nou...
2 min... it is a very rainy night in Barcelona! I am sorry to say that the weather has made a difference to the attendance tonight, with many deciding to stay at home. The quick pitch should make for a good game!
4 minAs expected, Barcelona have looked to take control of the ball in the early moments, with Sevilla keeping their shape. That will be the pattern of tonight's match as the visitors look to break when they have the chance. You get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be important.
4 minSAVE! Soria is down to keep out Messi's low strike after the Argentine had danced into the away side's box. It has been a lively start from Barcelona here.
4 minOFF-THE-LINE! Another super chance for Barcelona as Messi finds all sorts of space inside the Sevilla box before sliding a pass into Busquets, but his effort is off the line.
5 minCHANCE! Suarez goes through for Barcelona, but the striker cannot chip his effort over Soria. The home side might have scored three times in the opening five minutes of this match.
7 minSemedo does well in a wide position before sliding the ball back to Messi, and the Argentine curls his effort over the crossbar. Barcelona are on fire in these early moments as they pass and probe.
7 minWIDE! Rakitic fires just wide of the Sevilla post with a super strike!
8 minAlcacer has a half-chance for Barcelona after finding space inside the box, but the striker's effort is wide of the post. Sevilla just cannot seem to stem the flow of traffic at the moment.
11 minSevilla are working hard to close the space, but they just cannot get near Barcelona at the moment as the home side continue to move the ball in the final third of the field. Messi, who is making his 600th appearance for the Spanish giants tonight, is seriously in the mood here.
14 minCLOSE! Sevilla come close to taking the lead as Muriel robs Umtiti of the ball before striking towards the top corner, and his effort flashes just wide of the post! Big moment!
16 minJust a thought - imagine being as good as Messi. Hard work obviously plays a big role in making it to the highest level, but Messi was born with this exceptional talent. Sevilla just cannot get near him at the moment as Barcelona continue to work the ball into dangerous positions here.
18 minStill goalless with 18 minutes on the clock, but the tempo remains high as Barcelona look for the opening goal. Suarez darts into the Sevilla box, but Lenglet is across with a fine challenge.
19 minCLOSE! Iniesta just misses the Sevilla post with an effort from distance!
21 minMessi darts into the Sevilla box before looking to pick out Suarez, but Kjaer does well to make the clearance. Sevilla are fortunate to be level at this stage of the match, there is no question about that.
22 minAlcacer heads just over the Sevilla crossbar as Barcelona threaten once again.
23 minGOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Sevilla (Alcacer)
24 minBarcelona finally make the breakthrough in the 23rd minute as Alcacer takes advantage of a terrible mistake from Escudero to slide the ball into the bottom corner of the net!
26 minBit of possession from Sevilla in the last couple of moments, and Muriel is a threat for the visitors as he continues to play on the final line of defence. Barcelona are just full of it down the other end, however, as they continue to pass and probe. Alcacer's movement is causing problems here.
28 minJust a reminder that a win for Barcelona would move them 11 points clear of fourth-placed Real Madrid, which would be quite incredible at this stage of the season. Sevilla are struggling here.
29 minRakitic delivers a low cross into the Sevilla box, but the visitors just about manage to clear after Alcacer misses the ball. It does appear that a second for the home side is coming at Camp Nou.
30 minJesus Navas delivers a dangerous cross into the Barcelona box, but Ter Stegen manages to punch clear as the home side avoid a dangerous moment. That is the first time that we have seen Navas in space inside the Barcelona box. The Spaniard has struggled to get involved thus far tonight.
33 minLittle over 10 minutes of the first period remaining, and the score is still 1-0 Barcelona. Pique has just darted forward for the home side before delivering into the Sevilla box, but Soria is on hand to claim.
35 minSevilla are working extremely hard to close the space in the final third, but Barcelona are moving the ball so quickly in dangerous positions. Rakitic, Semedo and Messi have all been excellent for the hosts.
37 minSevilla could well be three goals behind at this stage of the match, but they are very much in the contest approaching the end of the first 45 minutes. You sense that a second for Barcelona would kill off the away side's challenge, but they are holding firm with 37 minutes on the clock here.
39 minMuriel looks to escape the attention of Pique in a wide position, but the centre-back stands tall to make the challenge. Little over five minutes of the first period to play in Barcelona.
42 minThe rain is still pouring here as we approach the final stages of the first period. Sevilla have grown into the match in the last 10 minutes or so, although Ter Stegen has been unmoved between the sticks. It will be a very interesting second period if the score stays 1-0 entering the half-time break.
44 minSuarez breaks away into a wide position, but Kjaer is across to make the challenge. The resulting corner is then cleared by Lenglet as Sevilla manage to clear their lines once again here.
45+1 minMessi misses the crossbar with a flicked effort moments after dancing past a whole host of challenges inside the Sevilla box. The Argentine has been absolutely sensational tonight.
45+1 minHALF-TIME: Barcelona 1-0 Sevilla
8.31pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Barcelona leading Sevilla 1-0 courtesy of Alcacer's first league goal of the season. The home side could have scored four times in the opening 10 minutes, but Sevilla rode their luck, and the visitors are very much in the contest as we enter the half-time break. It should be a fascinating second 45 minutes of football at Camp Nou.
8.36pmSTATISTICS! Barcelona had 57% of the ball in the first period, while they managed 12 attempts - four of which were on target. Sevilla, meanwhile, hit the target with just one of their two attempts. There has not been a single yellow card thus far. In truth, it has not been that type of match.
8.41pmBENCH WATCH! Sevilla boss Berizzo has plenty of attacking options on his bench tonight, with the likes of Ben Yedder, Ganso, Nolito and Vasquez all available. Barcelona, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Paulinho, Deulofeu and Denis Suarez. There is plenty of talent on both benches here.
46 minRESTART! Sevilla resume the action here...
47 min... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period develops here.
48 minCHANCE! Muriel finds space just outside the Barcelona box, but his effort is too high!
50 minYou do get the feeling that there might be a goal in this game for Sevilla, especially considering the options that the away side have on the bench. The rain continues to fall on this rotten night in Barcelona!
52 minSevilla have men over as the visitors launch a quick counter-attack, but Sarabia picks the wrong option in a wide position, and Barcelona can resume through Ter Stegen. Suarez continues to work hard for the home side, but the striker has conceded possession on a couple of occasions in the last few minutes.
54 minPaulinho is currently going through a warm-up routine, suggesting that the Brazilian will be introduced sooner rather than later. It is a very even game at the start of the second period.
56 minSevilla are seeing plenty of the ball at the moment as they continue to put the pressure on Barcelona. Muriel decides to have a pop from distance, but his effort was always wide of the post.
58 minAlcacer uses his pace to burst away from the Sevilla defence before feeding Suarez, who then finds Messi, but the away side manage to clear their lines once again. It is a very open game at the moment.
59 minCHANCE! Super chance for the visitors as Sarabia finds space inside the Barcelona box, but Semedo is across to make a wonderful challenge. Great defending there!
59 minGOAL! Barcelona 1-1 Sevilla (Pizarro)
60 minBullet header! Sevilla level the scores just before the hour as Pizarro finds the bottom corner with a super header! It seems that Barcelona are going to respond with a change here.
61 minBARCELONA SUB! Paulinho replaces Iniesta for the home side.
62 minSEVILLA SUB! Sarabia is replaced by Nolito for Sevilla.
63 minCROSSBAR! Pique hits the crossbar with a super strike from distance!
65 minLittle over 25 minutes of football remaining, and it is very delicately poised. Credit to Sevilla, who have really impressed since the half-time break. They could well go on to win this one now.
65 minGOAL! Barcelona 2-1 Sevilla (Alcacer)
66 minOh my word! Barcelona regain the lead in the 65th minute as Alcacer converts a super Rakitic cross from close range. Rakitic was allowed far too much space in a wide position there!
66 minBARCELONA SUB! Deulofeu replaces Alcacer for the home side.
69 minLuis Suarez fires over the crossbar from inside the Sevilla box as the Uruguay international continues to struggle in front of goal. Little over 20 minutes of football to play at Camp Nou.
71 minSevilla have not seen too much of the ball since Barcelona scored their second, but the visitors are still very much in the contest as we enter the final 20 minutes of action at Camp Nou.
73 minSevilla are preparing to make their second change of the match here.
73 minSAVE! Smart save from Soria to keep out Messi's low strike!
74 minSEVILLA SUB! Sevilla make their second change as Kjaer is replaced by Geis.
76 minSuarez delivers a dangerous cross into the Sevilla box, but Escudero makes the clearance. Barcelona are certainly on the front foot with 76 minutes on the clock, but at 2-1, Sevilla are very much in the contest. It promises to be a fascinating final 15 minutes to this one.
77 minSEVILLA SUB! Ben Yedder replaces Muriel for Sevilla.
79 minSuarez again gives the ball away in the final third as the striker's problems continue. He really, really needs a goal, but the Uruguay international has been sloppy once again thus far here.
80 minBanega's effort is weak and Ter Stegen can collect with ease.
81 minPenalty shout for Barcelona as Rakitic goes down inside the box, but the referee says no!
82 minRakitic is still on the deck after clashing with Escudero, but no penalty was given.
84 minStill 2-1 Barcelona as we approach the final five minutes of football at Camp Nou.
86 minYou just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match. Barcelona are pressing forward, but Sevilla have a lot of attacking players on the field with 86 minutes on the clock at Camp Nou.
87 minThere has still not been a single yellow card in this match, which is incredible!
89 minNot an awful lot to report in terms of attacking football at the moment as Barcelona keep hold of the ball. It looks like Sevilla are going to fall just short of picking up anything from this match.
90 minBARCELONA SUB! Mascherano replaces Rakitic in Barcelona's third change.
90+1 minWe are into the first of four additional minutes here.
90+2 minStill no goal for Messi, who has just been challenged inside the Sevilla box. Four minutes is generous for the visitors, who might well create one more chance in the final stages of this one.
90+4 minBarcelona have the ball as we enter the final stages of this match. The home side have had to struggle through this second period, but they are closing on another three points, which would see them move 11 points clear of fourth-placed Real Madrid. The referee will soon blow his whistle.
90+4 minBOOKING! Messi (Barcelona) is booked for dissent.
90+5 minFULL-TIME: Barcelona 2-1 Sevilla
9.36pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Barcelona recording a 2-1 win over Sevilla to move four points clear at the top of La Liga. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again. See you again soon!
