article_snippet.sent: This was not as brutal a blow, but Enrique’s team will need to right Enrique’s team quickly ahead of a testing fortnight.
article_snippet.sent: A big part of Unai Emery’s men European triumph last season was down to Rakitic.
article_snippet.sent: Enough, in fact, that Barcelona decided to pluck Rakitic from Unai Emery's ranks and give Rakitic a bigger stage to shine on.
article_snippet.sent: Rakitic says Rakitic still holds Sevilla in Rakitic heart, thanks to Rakitic four season spell in Andalusia.
article_snippet.sent: Perhaps Rakitic history confused Rakitic early on, with the Croat playing a terrible ball back towards Rakitic own box which didn’t cost Barcelona, thanks to the referee deciding Rakitic was fouled after releasing his history.
article_snippet.sent: The latter had a point to prove after a run of fruitless games, where he’s been more likely to cause a fight than score a goal.
article_snippet.sent: Dani Alves, for example, has not had a good season, but when the chips are down Dani Alves
article_snippet.sent: This could be the last time Dani Alves plays against Sevilla, Dani Alves former side, and Dani Alves evoked memories of Dani Alves former self, charging up the right but getting back when needed as well.
article_snippet.sent: But the Catalan side weren’t creating chances at will; this was hard work against durable, cunning opponents.
article_snippet.sent: One crumb of comfort for Enrique though.
article_snippet.sent: Neymar is challenged by Sevilla's Grzegorz Krychowiak (right) and Victor Machin .
article_snippet.sent: Messi, right, skips past the challenge of Sevilla's Grzegorz Krychowiak .