Match Review : Barcelona vs Betis (1-1)

Barca suddenly had a unique opportunity on their hands.

Due to Real Madrid’s loss to Valencia, Barca could’ve secured a 6 point lead atop La Liga with a win against Real Betis.

So let’s see how Barca fared against one of the most in form teams in La Liga.

First half

The first half saw plenty of action, at least in the early portion.

Barca started off the scoring by showing off some gorgeous link up play, as well as some impressive attacking IQ.

Lamine Yamal carried the ball down the central right flank, before finding a lonesome Ferran Torres with acres of space. Torres then found a streaking Gavi in Betis’s box with loads of space, space in which the Spaniard didn’t waste, as he finished off the beautiful move with a goal.

1-0 Barca.

However, Barca’s lead didn’t last long as Betis found an equalizer minutes later courtesy of a corner.

Betis centerback Natan was the one who scored the header, as his unassuming header somehow found a way to jump into the back of the net. Ronald Araujo could’ve done more to help defend against the header, but nonetheless, the lead was gone and Barca was now tasked with finding it once again.

However, instead of Barca finding a lead soon after the equalizer, Barca struggled in the attack.

Not with creating chances though, there were plenty of chances and half chances created due to Barca’s sheer attacking might. But they didn’t convert on those, not in the first half, and especially not as we went into the second half with Barca still knotted at 1 with Betis.

Second half

The second half was more of the same.

Barca kept getting into dangerous spots, creating half chances, and even finding instances when chances seemed likely to turn into goals.

But they just couldn’t find that crucial goal, that crucial moment that could’ve changed the entire match for Barca.

It was definitely not a sight we’re used to seeing from Hansi Flick’s Barca, but that’s the way it is and was tonight.

Final word

It’s a shame Barca couldn’t find another goal, especially considering the opportunity Barca had courtesy of Madrid losing to Valencia.

One more goal would’ve given Barca a 6 point lead in La Liga, but instead they’ll have to stay with a 4 point lead instead.

Barca’s next match

Barca’s next match will be on Wednesday against Borussia Dortmund. It’ll be the first leg of their two leg affair in the UCL quarterfinals.

See you all then!