Sevilla defender Jules Kounde scored an extraordinary solo goal and Ivan Rakitic struck against his old side in a 2-0 win over Barcelona in a Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Wednesday.
French centre back Kounde opened the scoring in the 25th minute, dribbling from his own area and playing a one-two with a teammate before bursting past four Barca players to confidently slot past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The Barca keeper made a superb save to prevent Sergio Escudero doubling Sevilla’s lead at the end of the first half but Croatia midfielder Rakitic made sure of the victory with a thumping finish into the roof of the net in the 85th minute.
Barca felt they should have been awarded a penalty at 1-0 down when Jordi Alba was tripped on the edge of the area but referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz gave a free kick without checking with the VAR whether the foul had taken place inside the box.
“Everyone has told me it was a penalty,” said Barca coach Ronald Koeman.
“They made a lot of fouls but clever fouls and they defended very well. I think we deserved more, we played well and created a lot of chances. I think it’s a harsh result for us given what we did on the pitch.”
“We put in a complete performance and the clean sheet is thanks to the work of the whole team,” said Sevilla’s Kounde.
“We suffered a little more in the second half but everyone stuck to the coach’s plan and it paid off.”
Lionel Messi could have snatched a late away goal but was thwarted by Sevilla keeper Bono and Julen Lopetegui’s side saw out the win without conceding to take a big advantage into the second leg at the Camp Nou on March 3.
ESPN
