Barcelona welcomed Sevilla to Camp Nou on Saturday looking to make it four wins from their opening four games of the La Liga season.
Sevilla had their moments in the first period, but a header from Daniel Alves ensured that the home side led at the interval.
The visitors continued to impress in the second half, but a 75th-minute strike from Lionel Messi moved Barcelona into a two-goal lead.
Sevilla had one back through Ivan Rakitic late on, before Coke levelled at 2-2 in the final minute of normal time.
There was time for late drama, however, as Alexis Sanchez turned past Beto in stoppage time to secure an incredible win.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our penultimate La Liga live commentary of the evening comes from the Camp Nou as the league champions Barcelona welcome a new-look Sevilla to the Camp Nou. Nine points from three games – in addition to a goal difference of nine – left the club with the best record before the international break, while Sevilla sit 15th having taken just two points from the same period.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Barcelona have won three of the last five, with the further two ending in a draw. The corresponding match last season ended in a 2-1 win in February, but Sevilla did claim a point from the Camp Nou when they made the trip in October 2011. A similar result this evening would surely kick-start their season.
Barcelona enter the match off the back of three points against Valencia last time out, but it was far from plain sailing with Valencia cutting the deficit to 3-2 moments before the interval after Lionel Messi had struck a hat trick. Sevilla, meanwhile, shared the points in a four-goal thriller with Malaga at the Estadio Ramon.
TEAMS:
BARCELONA XI: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Tello, Messi, Neymar
SEVILLA XI: Beto; Coke, Cala, Navarro, Alberto; Cristoforo, Mbia, Rakitic, Jairo; Vitolo, Gameiro
So there we have it. Cristian Tello is handed a rare start for the home side this evening with the Spaniard named in a three-man attack alongside Neymar and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Xavi start in midfield. Sevilla, meanwhile, have summer signing Kevin Gameiro leading their line, but Marko Marin is on the bench. Right, the home side get the evening underway.
I suspect that Sevilla will have to get used to long periods without the ball this evening, which is certainly how the first period has started. No Cesc Fabregas in the starting XI, with the Spaniard named on the bench. Can Barcelona make it four wins from four against a much-changed Sevilla side at the Camp Nou?
Barcelona have started this match like a house on fire with Tello combining with Messi before driving a low cross into the box, but Cala manages to make the clearance. Neymar has the first effort on goal moments later as he curls one towards the far corner, but Beto is across to make a fine save, before punching clear the resulting corner.
It is all very frantic at the moment with Barcelona playing as if they need to score in the next couple of minutes. Neymar is again involved as he collects possession outside the box, but Cala is across to fell the Brazilian. The resulting free kick is whipped into the box by Messi, but it evades everyone before moving out for a throw. Sevilla are immediately under some serious pressure here.
First chance for the away side to threaten in the Barcelona half as Vitolo collects possession in a wide area before attempting to curl one towards the top corner, but Pique is across to make the block. The resulting corner is delivered into the area by Rakitic, but Pique is on hand to clear under pressure from Mbia.
Stunning football from Barcelona as Messi collects possession outside the box before finding Iniesta, who in turn finds Neymar inside the box, but once more Beto manages to push his effort wide of the post. The resulting corner is delivered to the edge of the box, but Sevilla manage to pump it clear. Still goalless with 10 minutes on the clock in the Camp Nou.
Utter domination from the home side, as expected, as they continue to pass and probe outside the penalty area. First involvement for Alves as the Brazilian advances into the box, but his low cross is cleared by Koke. Gameiro threatens down the other end with a mazy run towards Mascherano, but the Argentine stands firm to clear the danger.
Neymar has been the star of the opening 15 minutes there is no question about that as the Brazilian drives past two challenges, before Cala comes across to fell the forward. Once more the resulting free kick is delivered by Xavi, but Coke stands firm to clear the danger. Sevilla are also demonstrating plenty of attacking intent with Gameiro a willing runner down the other end.
Barcelona are forced into an early change here as Adriano enters the field in place of Alba, who looks to be struggling as he leaves the pitch. That is a big blow for the home side. Moments before, Gameiro again threatened with a deep run beyond Alves, but he found himself isolated, allowing Busquets across to clear the danger. Still goalless with 17 minutes on the clock at the Camp Nou.
Another half-chance for the home side as Adriano strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Barcelona have certainly dominated the possession in the opening 20 minutes, but Sevilla can be pleased with their contribution thus far. However, there is still a lot of football to be played this evening.
Again the away side threaten as Rakitic collects possession just inside the Barcelona half before attempting to move past Mascherano, but the Argentine manages to clear. Moments later Barcelona are down the other end with Neymar, who finds Messi inside the box, but the Argentine is crowded out at the final moment. End-to-end football with 22 minutes on the clock.
Another half-chance for the home side as Tello meets a bouncing ball inside the box, but he finds Beto in fine form. The resulting corner comes into the box, but once more the danger is cleared. Possession, possession, possession, but Sevilla have been very intelligent in defence thus far.
It is the same old story for Barcelona. They continue to look devastating in attack, but there are still genuine concerns about their defence. Sevilla again come close to an opening as Gameiro collects possession in a wide area, but he just cannot find the run of Vitolo. Frustration for Barcelona as they continue to hit a brick wall just outside the Sevilla penalty area.
Again Neymar is involved as the Brazilian collects the ball in a wide area before attempting to find Alves at the back post, but Coke just manages to clear at the vital moment. Neymar has a shooting chance moments later as he bursts into the box, but again Cala makes a fine block. Still goalless with little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in the Camp Nou.
Sevilla just cannot keep hold of the ball at the moment with Barcelona coming in waves. However, the home side have been sloppy themselves in the final third. Unai Emery has sent his side out with a clear gameplan this evening and it has worked thus far. In Gameiro, they also have someone who doesn't need many chances to find the back of the net.
Mbia picks up a yellow card for a poor challenge on Neymar, who had left Cala for dead with a wonderful piece of skill in a wide position. The Barcelona free kick is once taken by Messi, but it has not been his night thus far as the set piece moves wide of the post. Where has this opening 33 minutes gone? It has flown past!
It's good work from Jairo as the Spaniard wins a free kick down the right after attempting to move past Adriano. The resulting free kick is delivered into the box by Rakitic, but Adriano heads behind his own crossbar for a corner. Neymar is on the counter moments later, but Jairo fells the Brazilian. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining with the scores still level at 0-0.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Sevilla (Alves)
Finally Barcelona take the lead with 36 minutes on the clock as Alves arrives at the far post before heading an Adriano cross past Beto from close range. Full-back to full-back! It comes from an unlikely source, but Alves does indeed have his second goal of the season against his former club.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Sevilla on the counter as the away side make the most of an injury to Pique as they break with two men over. Vitolo attempts to find Gameiro inside the box, but Valdes manages to claim at the vital moment. Tough match for the referee at the moment with both sides appealing for each decision.
Again Neymar is involved as the Brazilian drives down the right before attempting to move past Coke, but the Sevilla defender manages to make the clearance. Barcelona may be leading, but the away side are more than in this match make no mistake about that. Well, as long as they can keep it at one in the final few minutes of the first period.
Mbia really needs to be careful here as he just pushes Neymar to the floor inside the Sevilla half. The on-loan QPR midfielder has also been booked, but probably should have walked for that. The resulting set piece is delivered by Messi, but the referee spots a foul moments before Pique rattles the crossbar with a header.
Barcelona have had 64% of the possession thus far, but they have not created too much. A half-chance arrives for Messi as Tello finds the Argentine inside the box, but Beto is out to make a fine save. I shouldn't think that the referee will add too much time at the end of the first period. He will be glad for the rest!
HALF TIME: Barcelona 1-0 Sevilla
Another half-chance for the home side in the latter stages of the first period as Neymar finds Tello, who attempts to plant one into the bottom corner, but Beto is on hand to make the save. As it stands, a narrow Barcelona lead is just about a fair reflection of what we have seen thus far. But Sevilla will still be confident of making an impression in the second period.
BENCH WATCH: Barcelona have already been forced into a change with Adriano replacing the injured Alba in the early stages. However, Martino has a number of options remaining in the shape of Cesc Fabregas, Alexis Sanchez and Alex Song. Meanwhile, Sevilla boss Unai Emery also has plenty of options with the likes of Marko Marin, Carlos Bacca and Bryan Rabello.
STATISTICS: Barcelona have had 67% of the possession thus far, while they have had six attempts, four of which have been on target. Sevilla are yet to test Alves, but they have been a threat with the movement of Gameiro in the final third. Unai Emery will be pleased with long periods of the opening 45 minutes there is no question about that.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Villarreal against Real Madrid, where Gareth Bale is expected to make his debut. Right, the away side get the second period underway at the Camp Nou.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise based on what we have seen thus far. However, I expect the likes of Marin and Bacca could arrive for Sevilla if the score remains the same with around 25 minutes to play. That said, another Barcelona goal would surely be enough for the home side to pick up all three points.
Half-chance for the away side to break as Jairo comes close to collecting a sweeping pass from Cala, but it just evades the Spaniard at the vital moment. Barcelona continue to enjoy possession outside the box, but they have found it hard to open up this defence thus far. All Sevilla need is that one opportunity to throw this match wide open.
Messi has been relatively quiet this evening with Neymar the star of the show thus far. Again the Brazilian is involved down the right as he swivels past two defenders, but his pass towards Iniesta is intercepted. Sevilla have possession down the other end moments later with Rakitic, but the Croatian cannot find the run of Gameiro. Bright start from the away side to the second period.
Another half-chance for Neymar as the Brazilian darts past Cala before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but Valdes is on hand to make a fine save. Moments later Sevilla have possession down the other end, but it breaks down in midfield with Iniesta making the challenge. There is a slight sense of nervousness inside the stadium at the moment. This result is far from secure.
Half-chance for the home side once more as Iniesta finds a little pocket of space inside the box before attempting to curl an effort into the bottom corner, but he is crowded out at the vital moment. Rakitic has possession moments later, but he cannot find Gameiro under pressure from Alves. Still 1-0 with little over 30 minutes of football remaining in the Camp Nou.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the away side to level the scores as Gameiro finds Vitolo inside the box, but his effort is blocked by Pique. Tello has possession down the other end moments later as he bursts into the box, but he looks for Messi when he had a clear route on goal. End-to-end football in the last few moments.
Sevilla make their first change of the evening as Mbia is replaced by Trochowski, who has just returned from injury. You just get the feeling that the away side will have chances to open their tally in the remaining 30 minutes or so. Barcelona have been far from their best this evening there is no question about that.
Barcelona look to their bench for the second time this evening as Alexis Sanchez replaces Tello, who has struggled to make a serious impact in the match. I shouldn't think that we will see Fabregas, however, unless something drastic happens. The Spaniard has been struggling with injury all week.
Sevilla have the ball in the back of the net as Cala heads home from close range, but the goal is chalked off for a foul. In truth, I cannot see anything wrong with that header from the defender? Sevilla are desperately unlucky to not be level with little under 25 minutes of normal time remaining.
Not too much to report in terms of action in the last couple of moments with Barcelona struggling to keep possession of the ball. Sevilla deserve something from this match based on their performance thus far there is no question about that. However, Barcelona are always a threat with their wealth of talent in the final third.
The referee is having a tough time at the moment as both sets of players continue to test the official with a number of late challenges. Barcelona just cannot keep control of the possession at the moment with Sevilla forcing the issue in the final third. The away side make their second change of proceedings as Marin replaces Cristoforo.
Real sense of frustration from the home supporters at the moment as another attack breaks down in the final third. This time Sanchez attempts to cut inside, but he is quickly surrounded. Eventually it falls for Iniesta just inside the box, but Rakitic, who has been outstanding, is across to make the challenge. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining at the Camp Nou.
Finally Messi bursts into life outside the box as he collects possession before attempting to curl one towards the top corner, but it was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. Iniesta appears to be in trouble moments later as he hits the deck holding his back, but it does appear that he will be fit to continue despite falling awkwardly.
But then what do I know?! The change is indeed made as Fabregas enters the field in place of Iniesta. The home side have now made all three changes, which means we will not see the likes of Montoya, Song or Jonathan Dos Santos this evening. Sevilla, meanwhile, have one change remaining with Bacca the obvious candidate.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Sevilla (Messi)
It has been a brave performance from Sevilla, but Barcelona have their second of the evening as Neymar finds Messi, who simply turns his effort into the top corner. I say simply, only simple when you have his ability. That is game, set and match for the current Spanish champions.
Another half-chance for the home side to score their third as Alves delivers a wonderful cross into the box, but Beto just manages to palm clear at the vital moment. The life has been sucked out of Sevilla, who will feel that they should be level after Cala headed past Valdes only for the goal to be chalked off for a slight push on Pique.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-1 Sevilla (Rakitic)
Game on! Sevilla open their tally for the evening as Rakitic bursts into the box before thumping a low effort into the bottom corner. It is no more than they deserved. Can they force an equaliser in the latter stages?
Barcelona almost respond immediately as Alves fires a low cross into the box, but Beto manages to make the save. Fabregas has a half-chance moments later as he meets a pass from Xavi, but he can only clip over the crossbar from close range. What a match this has been between the two Spanish rivals.
Another half-chance for Sevilla as Cala climbs highest in the box, but he can only thump his header wide of the post. Sevilla look to their bench for the third and final time moments later as the highly-rated youngster Rabello enters the field in place of Jairo, who has faded in the second period.
Almost a wonderful combination between Neymar and Messi as the latter finds the Brazilian before Neymar attempts to return the favour, but Cala is on hand to make the block. Barcelona could have been out of sight in the last few moments, but the away side remain very much in it as we approach the final couple of minutes.
Adriano attempts to score Barcelona's third as he curls an effort from outside the box, but Beto is on hand to make the save. Messi has another half-chance as he drives into the box, but somehow Sevilla manage to clear. Adriano picks up a yellow moments later for a foul on Gameiro.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-2 Sevilla (Coke)
Oh my good grief! Sevilla equalise in the final minute as Coke arrives late in the box before clipping a low effort into the bottom corner. Barcelona should be out of sight, but Sevilla have their leveller.
We are into the third of three additional minute at the Camp Nou. Sevilla are not prepared to settle for a point as Marin collects possession inside the Barcelona half before attempting to curl one into the top corner, but it just moves wide of the post. Wow.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-2 Sevilla (Sanchez)
It is sickening for Sevilla in the final moment as Sanchez turns in from close range after wonderful work from Messi. That is the three points for Barcelona, but it is so cruel on the away side.
FULL TIME: Barcelona 3-2 Sevilla
So there we have it. Barcelona pick up all three points in the most dramatic fashion. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Villarreal against Real Madrid, where Gareth Bale does indeed make his debut. Until then!
