La Liga focus
The will to compete
March 14, 2011
By Eduardo Alvarez
On an enthralling Sunday evening, a brave, surprising second-half display by Sevilla brought some of the lost excitement back to La Liga. After a few seasons performing remarkably in both domestic and international competitions, this season's Sevilla appeared to have lost not only their uncanny ability to rebuild their side over the summer while remaining competitive, but also their unparalleled will to fight from equal to equal with the rest of the top-tier clubs. This match could very well put the Sevillistas back on the right track.
AP
Jesus Navas grabbed a share of the spoils for Sevilla against Barca
Right before hosting leaders Barcelona this weekend, Sevilla's management had finally decided to let unhappy striker Luis Fabiano return to Sao Paulo FC for a meagre bag of crisps. The forward's evident desire to leave for the capital of flamenco dancing provided the main rationale for the decision, although the club especially wanted to avoid paying his hefty salary.
Sevilla had already been preparing for next season, considering the brutal impact that non-qualification for the Europa League could have on their finances and their ability to retain a few of their key pieces. Given this context, it only made sense to offload the miserable Fabuloso even before this season ended, although one can't help but sympathise with Sevilla, doing wonders to keep their finances balanced, while Real Madrid and Barcelona have guaranteed cash from TV rights regardless which position they occupy at the end of the season.
But coming back to the Sanchez Pizjuan, this was one of those matches that make die-hard supporters briefly forget the recent evolution of La Liga towards a firmly managed duopoly, though Barca fans could be excused for lamenting their 'bad luck' when discussing Sunday night's contest. After the first 45 minutes, the Catalans led 1-0, thanks to a selfless pass from former Sevillista Daniel Alves to Bojan, who hesitantly converted the chance.
Barcelona had looked by far the better side, wasting quite a few opportunities to double their lead. Sevilla resembled a groggy boxer walking into their dressing-room at half-time and were threatening yet another disheartening effort in a key bout, as has often been the case this season. Even boss Gregorio Manzano left the pitch looking at the sky as though asking for advice.
Any Spanish radio commentator would qualify the second half as no apta para cardiacos (not recommended for those with a heart condition). Manzano did appear to receive some help from above, though, as his substitutions worked perfectly. Sevilla managed to quickly draw level and then turned the match into an open contest, although Barcelona still enjoyed the lion's share of the chances, hitting the woodwork twice and seeing Sevilla's recent signing Braulio Medel clear one ball off the line. Eventually, Andres Iniesta's solo efforts proved insufficient, and both teams took only one point back home.
Miguel Angel Perez Lasa's lousy refereeing can't be ignored: he drove everyone crazy and erred right, left and centre, irritating both sides and even the neutrals with his decisions. If limiting the power of the duopoly should have already become the main priority of La Liga's governing body, professional refereeing remains such an ancient, unresolved matter in Spain that no one even bothers to discuss it anymore.
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