Arda Turan recorded a brace as Barcelona beat Sevilla 3-0 in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup and won the tie by a comprehensive 5-0 score.
It was an impressive performance from Luis Enrique’s side as they consolidated on their two-goal cushion from the first leg to beat Sevilla by a 5-0 aggregate score in the Spanish Super Cup. Barcelona opened the scoring in the 10th minute after Arda Turan calmly slotted home an incisive pass by Lionel Messi. Sevilla were handed a lifeline in the 30th minute as Barca defender Samuel Umtiti handled the ball inside the penalty area which resulted in a penalty. But to the dismay of the Sevilla fans in attendance at the Camp Nou, Claudio Bravo saved a well hit spot-kick by Vincente Iborra to maintain his side’s lead in the contest.
Immediately after the second half began, Turan doubled his personal tally and his side’s lead with an exquisitely timed long-range effort. Three minutes later, Messi got his name on the score sheet with a headed goal and saw Barcelona cruise to a 3-0 victory.
Take a look at the Hard Tackle’s three talking points from the game:
Arda Turan makes a case for his future at Barcelona
It was an absolutely perfect evening for Barca midfielder. After all the ongoing talks off the field linking him with a move away from the club, the Turk showcased why he still was an integral part of Luis Enrique’s plans at the club. He looked threatening from the opening whistle and rewarded the manager’s faith shown in him.
Playing in an advanced position as a part of the attacking trio, Turan wreaked havoc in the Sevilla penalty area with his bombarding runs and cheeky crosses into the box. He was a constant threat for the opposition and defence and scored two spectacular goals for the Catalans. In fact, throughout the whole of last season, the Turkish midfielder could manage to score the same amount of goals as he did in one game against Sevilla. However, his ability to play as a forward may end Enrique’s search for a backup striker.
After the game, the club’s sporting director Roberto Fernandez said (via Goal): “After a difficult year with all the FIFA trouble, we are hoping for the Arda of Atletico next season. We are convinced he will perform for us.”
Manager Enrique also weighed in his opinion about Turan’s impact and what he brings to the table for his side. “Arda has been reunited with the goal. He isn’t a scorer but he’s a player who can score. He’s scored and he’s happy. He can play in several positions and I’m happy with his performance personally and with the whole team,” stated the Spaniard.
Luis Enrique has won everything at the club
Manager Luis Enrique guided his team to an emphatic two-legged victory over Sevilla. After being slightly fortunate to walk out as 2-0 winners last time around, Barca’s performance on Wednesday demonstrated why they were considered as one of the best teams in the world. Hardly an air of nervousness as the Catalan Giants emerged victorious on the day.
Enrique has played a major role in shaping this Barcelona side. Ever since the departure of club legends Carles Puyol and Xavi, the manager has made a host of impressive signings to fill in the void left by the two. After winning countless trophies during his two-year stint at Camp Nou, Enrique finally got his hands on the only piece of silverware he hadn’t yet, as manager of this Spanish side. With eight trophies won as Barcelona boss, he is now third on the list behind Johan Cryuff (11) and Pep Guardiola (14).
Despite a managerial change and a host of arrivals this summer, Sevilla are still not an elite club in Spain
After Unai Emery moved to take over the managerial role at Ligue 1 side Paris St. Germain, Sevilla decided to appoint the highly successful head-coach of the Chilean national side – Jorge Sampaoli. However, it hasn’t been the best of starts to the new chapter of his coaching career as he has watched his side suffer defeats in two cup finals before the season has even started.
There were high expectations from the Sevilla faithful when the Chilean was appointed, but unfortunately he hasn’t replicated the success he achieved with the national side. As per Transfermarkt, Sampaoli has brought in a total of 10 players in this summer which comprise of some big names such as Luciano Vietto, Franco Vasquez and Joaquin Correa. He has also welcomed back striker Ciro Immobile who was out on loan last season, but still hasn’t managed to garner any wins for his side.
It may be early in his reign as Sevilla manager, but it is essential that he steps up to the task and establishes Sevilla as one of Spain’s elite clubs.
