Barcelona needed to accept a 2-2 draw with Actual Betis on Saturday, failing to outsmart their host.
The Catalans bid farewell to their 2-1 lead in added time after a late strike from Assane Diao modified the narrative of the sport within the dying moments. Barca might have felt unjust with having to share the factors, however had been finally fortunate to flee with something in any respect.
Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres netted for Barca, whereas Lamine Yamal and Jules Kounde additionally stood out as spectacular performers.
How the match unfolded
It was Betis who got here near grabbing the primary purpose of the sport after a ball from Diego Llorente flew in direction of the field. Inaki Pena had no probability of blocking the assault, however fortunately in-form winger Raphinha proved his expertise in each assault and defence, clearing the ball off the road and preserving the scoreline stage.
One other large probability got here for the hosts simply moments later however, regardless of their efforts, Betis had been unable to seize an early lead. After failing to outsmart the Catalans, Betis had been quickly pressured to take care of quite a few possibilities from the hungry guests.
An exquisite run of play was the precursor to Barca’s opening strike. A threaded cross from Pedri to Kounde introduced a shocking probability for the right-back to search out Lewandowski who, if unsure, tapped it dwelling to thrust his aspect into the lead.
It was a easy but mesmerising probability for the Catalans, who highlighted their capability to speak fluidly on the pitch.
As each groups left the sector and headed into the dressing rooms at half-time, Betis actually would’ve felt extra annoyed than a number one Barca aspect.
When play resumed Betis continued to seek for a method again into the sport. As soon as once more they proved harmful on the tip of headers – one probability coming after a Giovani Lo Celso free-kick and one other moments later when the midfielder tried to nod in a purpose.
Neither materialised, and the hosts grew more and more annoyed over their lack of finish product.
The tempo of the sport modified simply after the hour mark when a dangerous problem from Frenkie de Jong threw Vitor Roque off steadiness. The hosts demanded a penalty and got their want after a VAR examine.
Hansi Flick made his emotions clear on the penalty – and was proven a crimson card for his response.
Betis transformed the penalty with ease and had been immediately again within the sport. However, earlier than lengthy Barca teenager Yamal leaped into motion – discovering Torres who slid the ball into the again of the online.
With simply eight minutes of regular time remaining, Barca regarded like they’d managed to flee their journey to Seville with all three factors, however Assane Diao had different plans. Losing no time in any respect, Diao directed a well-timed cross into the online – leaving Barca with nothing however remorse for the ultimate seconds of the sport.
The whistle blew and it was throughout for Barca, who missed the possibility to go seven factors forward of reigning champions Actual Madrid.
Take a look at the participant scores for Actual Betis vs Barcelona right here.
Should you occur to learn by way of any switch column forward of the winter or summer time home windows, you may in all probability come throughout quite a few rumours linking Barca with a Lewandowski alternative. In fact, there may be the matter of his age, however the 36-year-old nonetheless performs like a participant of their prime and shouldn’t be missed.
The Polish striker was the distinction maker for the Catalans within the first half, slotting a purpose into the again of the online because of a fantastic cross from Kounde.
His teammates know he is a trusted presence in entrance of purpose, and his opponents worry his capability to complete. That is now 16 La Liga objectives for Lewandowski this season – the league’s prime scorer continues to shine.
Barcelona boss Flick is often a powerful presence on the touchline, however in opposition to Betis he let his feelings get in the best way. The Catalans by no means actually obtained ahold of the sport, and simply might’ve left Saturday’s conflict with their head of their palms.
However, when a supervisor is being proven a crimson card for his response on the sidelines to a penalty determination, it is often not an amazing omen for the remainder of the squad.
After Betis’ penalty, the Catalans struggled to get again into the sport, with characters corresponding to Yamal working further exhausting to encourage the remainder of his teammates to dig deep. Finally, that is the job of the supervisor, however not one he can preform is he’s banished from the touchline.
Whereas Barca did miss out on the chance to go seven factors away from Madrid throughout Saturday’s showings, they’re nonetheless firmly on the summit of the La Liga desk.
Los Blancos will probably be unable to overhaul them throughout this gameweek, however might shut the hole to simply two factors in the event that they take all three from their assembly with Girona.
The Catalans are nonetheless the workforce to beat, however questions are actually being requested as to whether or not they can maintain on to their immense begin to the marketing campaign.
