Alba, ter Stegen react after Barcelona 3-0 Sevilla: “Already eight points clear”

Barcelona took another step towards clinching their first La Liga title since 2018/19 as they defeated Sevilla 3-0 at Camp Nou to establish an eight-point lead over rivals and reigning champions Real Madrid.

After a goalless affair in the first half, Barcelona turned on the heat in the second period as Jordi Alba handed them the lead with a fine finish in the 58th minute of the match.

Gavi then made it 2-0 in favour of the home team after getting on the end of a pass from Raphinha. The Brazilian himself got on the scoresheet later on, with Alba turning provider as Barcelona romped to a 3-0 win over Jorge Sampaoli’s side.

It was a crucial victory for the Blaugrana as they made the most of Real Madrid’s slip-up against Mallorca earlier on Sunday to stretch their lead at the top to eight points.

Alba, who was one of the stars of the show, highlighted the same after the match, as he said: “We play and we press very well. Already eight points clear and we’re very happy with the match.”

The veteran defender has not been playing all too regularly of late thanks to Alejandro Balde’s emergence. But with the youngster unavailable for the Sevilla game, Alba got a chance and he made the most of it.

“When I’m playing, I do what I do and play my best. When I’m not playing, I support the youngsters and cheer for the team. Today I had an opportunity and I took it,” the Spanish international said.

Talking of the team’s performance on the night, Alba added: “The first half was very difficult. In the second half, we understood the game better.”

Marc-Andre ter Stegen had a relatively quiet night in the Barcelona goal on Sunday, with Sevilla not threatening a great deal. The German international, thus, kept his 15th clean sheet of the season in La Liga, in just 20 matches.

Speaking after the game, the Catalans’ shot-stopper reflected on the importance of defending well and keeping opponents from scoring, as he said:

“It’s very important to keep clean sheets. We love to defend, it’s our job. We’re doing very well, and that’s why we’re top of the league.”

Talking about his own form, ter Stegen added: “I’m going through a great moment.”

Barcelona will next face off against Villarreal away from home at Estadio de la Ceramica and will hope to continue their terrific run of form.

Source: BarçaTV+