Sergio Ramos own goal gifted Barcelona three points in a 1-0 win over Sevilla as Xavi’s team returned to the top of the table.
After a midweek draw to Mallorca, Barcelona got back to winning ways, helped by 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, seven years after he walked out at Camp Nou as Ramos’ mascot before El Clasico in 2016.
The result moved Barca one point clear of Girona, who are second with a game in hand, while Sevilla are 12th.
"We are suffering too much. I think we played well," Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said in his post-match press conference. "We attacked well and understood what the game need. We just lacked that goal, but I am happy with the game. It was one of our better performances.
"Sevilla did well, but we generated enough chances to not have to suffer so much.
"The important thing is that we have created chances and felt comfortable against a great team. We were the better side. I am happy with the performance, but we have to be more effective in front of goal."
Barcelona will make a number of big lineup changes when they host Sevilla for a La Liga clash at the Montjuic Stadium on Friday.
Head coach Xavi Hernandez promised rotations at the start of the week ahead of Tuesday's disappointing 2-2 away draw at Mallorca, and has more than kept his word.
Keeping 27 of them in all competitions last season, goalkeeper Ter Stegen seeks his first clean sheet in three matches after conceding four goals in the past 180 minutes.
On Thursday, the judge investigating the payments said there were indications that Barcelona may have attempted to bribe the former official, who was involved in administering the referees. It was the latest blow to Barcelona’s reputation after state prosecutors made their initial accusations against the club and its former executives in March.
Sevilla issued a statement hours before Friday’s game “expressing its complete indignation over the practices of Barcelona’s ex-executives.”
After a goalless first half, Barca switched gears and looked far more threatening.
Robert Lewandowski was denied by a last-man tackle from Juanlu Sanchez when the striker was through on goal while Gavi saw his header narrowly miss the target.
But the complexion of the game changed after Ramos scored the own goal and though Sevilla also had their chances, Barca managed to keep a clean sheet and maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
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