Spanish League: Barcelona slam Sevilla

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (left) celebrates with Neymar after scoring against Sevilla in their Spanish League match at Camp Nou in Barcelona on Sunday. The hosts won 2-1. (Photo: AP)

Barcelona came from behind to equal a Spanish record of 34 games unbeaten in all competitions by moving eight points clear at the top of La Liga with a 2-1 win over Sevilla.

Sevilla were the last side to beat Barca back in October and deservedly struck first through Vitolo.

However, as so often of late, Barca recovered from a slow start thanks to Lionel Messi's brilliant free-kick and Gerard Pique's winner early in the second-half.

Luis Enrique’s men have now matched Real Madrid’s record run from the 1988-89 season and in doing so moved 12 points clear of third-placed Madrid.

Sevilla were a constant threat on the counter-attack, but should have taken the lead from a set-piece when Timothee Kolodziejczak somehow blazed over from point-blank range.

Barca nearly went in front in spectacular fashion as Messi’s audacious attempt from a corner hit the post and Luis Suarez then blasted the rebound off the crossbar.

Sevilla did eventually make the breakthrough 20 minutes in thanks to a fine breakaway as Benoit Tremoulinas's cross from the left was slotted home at the back post by Vitolo.

However, as ever Messi came to the fore when Barca needed him most and the five-time World Player of the Year levelled with a stunning free-kick high into the far corner 11 minutes later.

Sergio Rico prevented Messi turning the game around single-handedly before the break with a great save low to his left.

Rico denied Neymar with another fine stop as Barca upped the pace after the break. And the European champions were rewarded when brilliant link-up play between Messi and Suarez teed up Pique to tap home from close range.