A frustrating misstep. An evening that could have been that of takeoff, but which closes on a taste of unfinished. A few hours after the Real Madrid setback against Valence, FC Barcelona had the perfect opportunity to take off at the top of the Liga. But faced with a rough and inspired Betis, the Catalans had to settle for a draw (1-1) after a dominated meeting without being mastered.
It had started well, however. From the 7th minute, Gavi took advantage of a good Ferran service to punish his former club with an unstoppable cross shot. Montjuïc vibrated, Barça unrolled and seemed left for a quiet evening. But the Andalusian trap was to close. Compact and disciplined, Betis did not panic. On a poorly defended corner, defender Natan rose higher than Random to equalize with the head (1-1). Equalization against the course of the game, but perfectly exploited.
Barça was not able to defeat Betis.
The rest? An attack-defense, as often this season at home. Barça monopolized the ball, but lacked sharpness in the last gesture. Pedri stumbled on Adrián, Lamine Yamal did not find the fault, and Ferran harvested closely. Even Gavi's missile in the second half was countered in extremis. Goalkeeper Bético, in a state of grace, disgusted the blaugrana attackers to the end.
Barça's spoiled opportunity
Hansi Flick had however bet on an eleven competitive eleven, despite some precautions before Dortmund. Raphinha started on the bench, but entered to shake the opposing block. Pain lost. The minutes went, the lucidity evaporated, and even the last rush initiated by Fermín and Raphinha came to die on the gloves of an adrián in levitation.
Barça wins a point … but loses two in the title race. The opportunity was good to hit a big blow, but the men of Flick lacked sharpness. And while Madrid breathes despite his misstep, the Catalans ruminate an avoidable frustration. The final sprint is launched, and every detail will now count.
