Barca VP Mestre: I don't know why Neymar was brought off

Barcelona's vice-president Jordi Mestre has admitted he didn't understand Luis Enrique's decision to substitute Neymar during the club's 2-2 draw at Sevilla.

Lionel Messi scored the opening goal of the game before the Brazilian made it 2-0 on 31 minutes to put the visitors firmly in control at the Sanchez Pizjuan.


But Ever Banega's 38th minute goal sparked a comeback from Sevilla, with Kevin Gameiro scoring the equaliser with six minutes remaining.

Neymar was replaced by Xavi on 74 minutes and showed his displeasure at being brought off by throwing his boots to the floor and making several angry gestures.

"I do know know why Neymar was changed," Mestre told Canal+. "He had played a great match and scored a goal. Only Luis Enrique knows his motives.

"We had a fantastic half but the game was very challenging and we're satisfied with winning a point."

The draw and Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Eibar means the gap between leaders Barca and their arch-rivals is now down to just two points with seven games remaining.