That was only their fourth league defeat of the season, but Iniesta believes they need to put it behind them quickly and prepare for their second “war” when they go to Anfield.

Liverpool are 2-1 ahead after the first leg of the last-16 Champions League clash.

“The league is not decided in one game, but we have to continue fighting,” said the Spain international.

“On Tuesday we have another war.”

Barca looked to be in total control against Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium after taking a 14th-minute lead through Ronaldinho and then winning a penalty in the 27th minute, in an incident that also saw home defender Aitor Ocio sent off.

But Ronaldinho missed the chance to make it 2-0 as Andres Palop saved his spot-kick, and the 10 men of Sevilla bounced back to draw level just before the break through striker Alexander Kerzhakov.

Sevilla then stunned their opponents by going 2-1 ahead on the hour-mark when Daniel Alves rifled home a free-kick, before Barca were reduced to nine men with the dismissals of Ludovic Giuly and Gianluca Zambrotta.

Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes, whose side would have gone five points clear at the summit with a victory, said: “It was a good opportunity to gain an advantage, but now they are ahead.

“Now we have to focus on the game we will play on Tuesday, which is going to be a very tough match.”

Ronaldinho added: “We have started very well, but after that we have lost a little rhythm and have lost the opportunity. I have failed with the penalty which could have sent us on the way to victory.

“Palop looked as though he was going to jump one way, but then he jumped the other.”

Argentinian playmaker Lionel Messi also believes they need to put this game behind them and look ahead to an important week, where after the Liverpool match they then host arch-rivals Real Madrid in the league next weekend.

“The first half we have had everything in our favour, but 45 minutes later everything has gone away,” he said.

“It is a pity, but it is has gone and we have to forget it.”