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Messi penalty miss results in draw

Messi penalty miss results in draw


Messi penalty miss results in draw

Sevilla held Barcelona to a hard fought draw at the Camp Nou, with keeper Javi Varas the star of the show as he made countless saves, including an injury time Lionel Messi penalty.

As expected, the Blaugrana had the majority of possession and created numerous chances, only to be denied by an inspired Varas.

Sevilla's first attack of the game came in the 15th minute, when Emiliano Armenteros' half volley flew narrowly wide of the post.

Jesus Navas had an opportunity five minutes later, but his shot was tipped around the post by Victor Valdes.

Barcelona's best chance of the half came in the 40th minute, when a lovely exchange of passes between Adriano and Andres Iniesta on the left flank resulted in Iniesta laying the ball off for David Villa, whose first time shot was saved by Varas' legs.

Varas made countless saves throughout the second half, but was helped by the crossbar in the 72nd minute. Messi played a brilliant pass to Iniesta, who lifted the ball over Varas only to hit the crossbar.

Sevilla had a golden opportunity two minutes later when Navas picked out an unmarked Ivan Rakitic. However, his poor first touch ensured that the Barca defenders smuggled the ball to safety.

In the second minute of injury time, Federico Fazio brought down Iniesta in the box, leaving the referee no choice but to award Barcelona the penalty. However, just as Messi was looking to step up to the ball, Frederic Kanoute grabbed Cesc Fabregas by the neck resulting in a fight.

Although he was sent off, Kanoute did just enough to unnerve Messi, whose tame shot was saved by a diving Javi Varas.

The match ended in a draw, with Barcelona now behind Real Madrid by a solitary point. Sevilla, on the other hand lie in the 4th spot with 16 points.