Downcasted Barcelona seek Sevilla boost

[Shola Sholaz]

Barcelona have stumbled just as the season enters a critical phase but get a chance to return to winning ways and strengthen their grip on top spot when erratic Sevilla visit the Nou Camp in La Liga on Saturday.
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Wednesday's shock 2-0 reverse at AC Milan, when the determined and well-organised Italians snuffed out Barca's normally lethal attacking threat, left Tito Vilanova's side in real danger of an early Champions League exit.
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They host the Serie A side for the last 16, return leg on March 12 but before that are at home to Real Madrid in Tuesday's King's Cup semifinal second leg with the arch rivals tied at 1-1 after last month's game in the Spanish capital.
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Barca visit Real's Bernabeu stadium in La Liga four days later with a another league match at home to bottom side Deportivo La Coruna before the Milan showdown in Europe's elite club competition.
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Barca have drawn two and lost one in their last five outings in all competitions and lacked a cutting edge against a resolute Milan despite hogging possession in their customary style.
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World Player of the Year Lionel Messi, who has netted an incredible 37 goals in 24 La Liga appearances this term and was top scorer in the Champions League the past four seasons, barely threatened and Barca mustered only two shots on target.