Barcelona had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Real 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 changed the narrative of the game in the dying moments. Barca may have felt unjust with having to share the points, but were ultimately lucky to escape with anything at all.
Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres netted for Barca, while Lamine Yamal and Jules Kounde also stood out as impressive performers.
How the match unfolded
It was Betis who came close to grabbing the first goal of the game after a ball from Diego Llorente flew towards the box. Inaki Pena had no chance of blocking the attack, but luckily in-form winger Raphinha proved his talent in both attack and defence, clearing the ball off the line and keeping the scoreline level.
Another huge chance came for the hosts just moments later but, despite their efforts, Betis were unable to grab an early lead. After failing to outsmart the Catalans, Betis were soon forced to contend with a number of chances from the hungry visitors.
A beautiful run of play was the precursor to Barca’s opening strike. A threaded pass from Pedri to Kounde presented a stunning chance for the right-back to find Lewandowski who, if in doubt, tapped it home to thrust his side into the lead.
It was a simple yet mesmerising chance for the Catalans, who highlighted their ability to communicate fluidly on the pitch.
As both teams left the field and headed into the dressing rooms at half-time, Betis certainly would’ve felt more frustrated than a leading Barca side.
When play resumed Betis continued to search for a way back into the game. Once again they proved dangerous on the end of headers – one chance coming after a Giovani Lo Celso free-kick and another moments later when the midfielder attempted to nod in a goal.
Neither materialised, and the hosts grew increasingly frustrated over their lack of end product.
The tempo of the game changed just after the hour mark when a risky challenge from Frenkie de Jong threw Vitor Roque off balance. The hosts demanded a penalty and were given their wish after a VAR check.
Hansi Flick made his feelings clear on the penalty – and was shown a red card for his reaction.
Betis converted the penalty with ease and were suddenly back in the game. But, before long Barca youngster Yamal leaped into action – finding Torres who slid the ball into the back of the net.
With just eight minutes of normal time remaining, Barca looked like they’d managed to escape their trip to Seville with all three points, but Assane Diao had other plans. Wasting no time at all, Diao directed a well-timed cross into the net – leaving Barca with nothing but regret for the final seconds of the game.
The whistle blew and it was all over for Barca, who missed the chance to go seven points ahead of reigning champions Real Madrid.
Check out the player ratings for Real Betis vs Barcelona here.
If you happen to read through any transfer column ahead of the winter or summer windows, you’ll probably come across a number of rumours linking Barca with a Lewandowski replacement. Of course, there is the matter of his age, but the 36-year-old still plays like a player in their prime and should not be overlooked.
The Polish striker was the difference maker for the Catalans in the first half, slotting a goal into the back of the net thanks to a beautiful pass from Kounde.
His teammates know he’s a trusted presence in front of goal, and his opponents fear his ability to finish. That’s now 16 La Liga goals for Lewandowski this season – the league’s top scorer continues to shine.
Barcelona boss Flick is usually a strong presence on the touchline, but against Betis he let his emotions get in the way. The Catalans never really got ahold of the game, and easily could’ve left Saturday’s clash with their head in their hands.
But, when a manager is being shown a red card for his reaction on the sidelines to a penalty decision, it’s usually not a great omen for the rest of the squad.
After Betis’ penalty, the Catalans struggled to get back into the game, with characters such as Yamal working extra hard to encourage the rest of his teammates to dig deep. Ultimately, that’s the job of the manager, but not one he can preform is he is banished from the touchline.
While Barca did miss out on the opportunity to go seven points clear of Madrid during Saturday’s showings, they are still firmly at the summit of the La Liga table.
Los Blancos will be unable to overtake them during this gameweek, but could close the gap to just two points if they take all three from their meeting with Girona.
The Catalans are still the team to beat, but questions are now being asked as to whether they can hold on to their immense start to the campaign.
