Montella 'angry' but 'proud' after Messi stuns Sevilla
Sevilla produced arguably their best performance of the season against Barca, as they controlled much of the match and created a host of chances.
Joaquin Correa was guilty of spurning two particularly presentable opportunities in the first half, but the Argentina international made amends nine minutes before the break, setting up Franco Vazquez for a well-worked opener.
Luis Muriel – who also missed several fine chances over the course of the match – doubled their advantage soon after the break and openings continued to be crafted even after Messi's introduction in the 58th minute.
But Luis Suarez pulled one back for the visitors two minutes from time and then Messi levelled things up from 20 yards just 53 seconds later, preserving Barca's unbeaten record and leaving Sevilla coach Montella shell-shocked.
@VMontella: "It was painful but I'm proud of my team"
https://t.co/3aywmH4pyB#vamosmisevilla #SevillaFCBarça pic.twitter.com/lHNp6ng2wa
— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) March 31, 2018
"We have to improve," Montella told reporters. "When we can score, we have to score.
"We had many chances to close the game. It's a shame because Barcelona has formidable players, and we are a little nervous now. For Tuesday [against Bayern Munich in the Champions League], we will have more desire.
"If we had finished earlier, it would have been better, but football is like that, we have to improve.
"I'm angry on one side, but on the other I'm proud because the team has controlled the game against Barcelona."
Muriel: "It feels like a loss because we could have finished off the match a lot earlier"#vamosmisevilla #SevillaFCBarça pic.twitter.com/2XyoralC0h
— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) March 31, 2018