After the defeat of Real Madrid against Valence (1-2), FC Barcelona had a gold opportunity to take a real option in the title race. Opposed to Real Betis, sixth at the start, the men of Hansi Flick appeared in 4-2-3-1 with an offensive quartet composed of Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski. Quickly master of debates, Barça was not long in making the difference. Launched in depth after a small issue of Ferran Torres, Gavi deceived Adrian from the right (1-0, 7th). Ideally launched, the blaugranas were however surprised in stride.
If Cucho Hernandez narrowly missed the frame (14th), Natan equalized him with a beautiful head on corner after having taken the best on Araujo (1-1, 17th). Pocked by the Sevillian reaction, the Catalans went back to the attack but Lamine Yamal, launched in depth, lacked lucidity in the last gesture when serving Lewandowski (25th). A few seconds later, Torres was very close to restoring the advantage to the toilers but his shot was just running the frame (29th). Just before the break, Adrian pushed two new attempts from Yamal (39th) and the two teams finally returned back to the locker room.
Barça does not take advantage of Madrid's defeat
In the second half, Barça returned with the intention of taking the three points but Adrian still disgusted Koundé, author of a beautiful strike from the law after a nice rush (55th). In the process, Raphinha and Eric Garcia appeared, but the toilers still stumbled on the defense of the Verdiblancos, like this strike from Gavi repelled by Bartra (62nd). Nonexistent offensively, Betis showed great resistance on the defensive level. A game plan that did not fail to disturb the locals …
In the last quarter of an hour, Antony gave way to Jesus Rodriguez but Barça was continuing his business. Yes, but here, if Fermin Lopez and Gerard Martin also came into play, the cubs could not find the fault and finally conceded the point of the draw. With this result (1-1), FC Barcelona, which will challenge Borussia Dortmund next Wednesday for the first leg of the Champions League, confirms its first place and now has four lengths ahead of Real Madrid. For its part, Real Bétis, with 48 points, returns to the Top 5.
