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The unraveling of Barcelona has been weeks in the making

If, during the international break, you happen to be sharing a drink with a Barcelona fan who tries to tell you that their 4-1 mauling at Sevilla would have been different if Robert Lewandowski hadn't fluffed a penalty and Roony Bardghji hadn't missed a sitter at 2-1, then smile benignly at them, pay for their beverage and make sure they get home safely.

They are in denial. Big time. Fear is gnawing at their footballing soul like a rat at the wood of a kitchen cupboard.

Yes, the big, lumbering "last embers of a once-great Polish striker" could have made it 2-2 if he'd converted from 12 yards.