MADRID, Oct. 22 -- Sevilla goalkeeper Javi Varas was the hero of the night as his side produced a stunning defensive display to earn a 0-0 draw against FC Barcelona in the Camp Nou stadium.
Varas made a string of spectacular saves, including an injury time penalty from Leo Messi as his side hung on for a draw.
Sevilla never lost their defensive composure, although they did lost their nerves for a time after referee Iturralde Gonzalez awarded Barcelona a 91st minute penalty after Federico Fazio brought down Andres Iniesta. Frederic Kanoute was sent off for an incident with Cesc Fabrigas as both sides squared up to each other.
The long delay must have tested Messi's nerves as he fired in a penalty at saveable height for Varas to stop.
It was just reward for the Sevilla keeper deserved who had made save after save to deny a Barcelona side that has spent virtually the entire second half camped on the edge of the visitor's penalty area.
The only time Varas was beaten it was by Iniesta, who saw a lob bounce out of play from the top of the Sevilla crossbar.
Without Barcelona ever playing their best football, Varas began his heroics in the first half.
Sevilla played with three midfielders ahead of a four-man defense and looked to deny Barcelona space. The tactic worked but as the half progressed the visitors were pushed deeper into their own half.
Varas produced four outstanding saves: firstly to deny Andres Iniesta after just nine minutes, and then twice to frustrate David Villa in the closing minutes of the half. He also produced a stunning stop to frustrate Leo Messi, whose shot took a deflection on its way to goal.
Sevilla had looked to hit Barcelona on the break and at the other end, Victor Valdes also had to be at his best to deny Jesus Navas, firstly from close range and secondly from a shot the winger had looked to curl into the corner of the net.
The second half saw Barcelona in complete control, but with Varas pulling off save after save, it was simply not their night. The final whistle saw the keeper sink to his knees in triumph and even the Barcelona players congratulated him on his display. It is no less than he deserved for a truly outstanding performance.
体坛英语资讯:Ugandan football makes major strides in 2018
体坛英语资讯:Raptors bounce back to defeat Bulls
国际英语资讯:Zeman hopes B&R initiative will help boost Czech development
国内英语资讯:Coordination improving in public interest environment litigation
地球正处于大灭绝时期?2018年这些动物永远消失了
国际英语资讯:Israeli army artillery strikes on northern Gaza suburbs, no injuries reported
国际英语资讯:Iraqi PM denies reports about U.S. demand for dissolving Shiite militias
国际英语资讯:Politicians from Japan, China call for further development of bilateral relations
国内英语资讯:CPC meeting reviews work report, Party regulations
国内英语资讯:China confident, capable of keeping economic growth within appropriate range in 2019: premie
《唐顿庄园》制作人准备导演新剧!又是一部神剧?
国内英语资讯:A day in the life: survey released on habits of typical Chinese person
国际英语资讯:Extreme poverty on rise in LatAm: UN agency
国际英语资讯:German green party reiterates support for general speed limit across Germany
国内英语资讯:Chinese premier pledges to promote ties with Cambodia to new high
国际英语资讯:Former Nissan chief Ghosns latest bail request rejected by Tokyo court
国际英语资讯:UN debates impact of climate change, urges action
How to Be Independent 如何变独立
苏格兰酒店为迎中国游客出奇招 全球各国将迎来“春节时间”
国内英语资讯:Chinas top legislator holds talks with president of Chilean Chamber of Deputies
国内英语资讯:Xi extends Spring Festival greetings to military veterans
日本女生嫌弃相亲对象穿优衣库,网友吵起来了
国际英语资讯:Feature: Chinese-made motorbikes earn Kenyans in formal jobs extra income
国内英语资讯:Xi stresses integrated media development
国际英语资讯:Israel, U.S. successfully test Arrow-3 missile defense system
国际英语资讯:Syrian air defenses intercept Israeli missiles targeting Damascus: army
体坛英语资讯:China first after opening day of Wingsuit Flying World Championship
国际英语资讯:Moscow urges Washington to drop plans of placing weapons in outer space
国际英语资讯:Death toll from Paris bakery blast rises to three
体坛英语资讯:Real Madrid suffer Llorente injury blow
不限 |
英语教案 |
英语课件 |
英语试题 |
不限 |
不限 |
上册 |
下册 |
不限 |