Barcelona couldn’t secure a win despite leading twice, putting their top spot in La Liga under threat. Real Betis, who missed countless opportunities, could have turned the game into a goal fest. Despite falling behind twice, Betis bounced back both times to secure a 2-2 draw and leave Barcelona with reasons to worry.
The match on Saturday saw Barcelona drop two crucial points against Betis. Adding to their frustration, coach Hansi Flick received a red card. Barcelona had gone into halftime leading 1-0 thanks to a goal by Robert Lewandowski. Giovani Lo Celso equalized for Betis with a successful penalty. Substitute Ferran Torres restored Barcelona’s lead, but Asane Diao’s late goal in added time salvaged a point for Betis.
Although Betis trailed in possession, they led in attempts on goal. The home team took 12 shots, with six on target, compared to Barcelona’s 9 shots, of which only three were on target, despite holding nearly 62% possession.
This was Barcelona’s second draw of the season. With just one win in their last five league matches, they remain at the top with 38 points from 17 matches. However, Real Madrid, with two games in hand, are close behind with 33 points. Betis, meanwhile, sit 11th with 21 points from 16 games.
Betis could have scored twice in the first three minutes! In the second minute, Chimy Ávila’s header from a corner was cleared off the line by Raphinha. A minute later, Abdé failed to capitalize on a one-on-one opportunity, opting to shoot himself instead of passing to two unmarked teammates. Barça keeper Iñaki Peña managed to save it for a corner.
In the eighth minute, Lamine Yamal had a chance for Barcelona, but Betis goalkeeper Fran Vieites made an easy save. Six minutes later, Robert Lewandowski missed a header from a brilliant cross, squandering a golden opportunity.
Barcelona finally broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when Jules Koundé delivered a perfect cross that Lewandowski finished with precision. This marked the Polish striker’s 16th goal of the season, the highest in the league. Despite mounting pressure before halftime, Barça couldn’t extend their lead.
Betis missed early chances to equalize in the second half. In the 51st minute, Lo Celso’s free kick found Sergi Altimira unmarked at the far post, but his header went just wide. Moments later, Abdé also missed a close-range header. Betis kept pushing, and Ávila’s thunderous shot in the 54th minute was brilliantly saved by Peña.
Betis eventually equalized in the 68th minute when Lo Celso converted a penalty, awarded after Frenkie de Jong fouled Barcelona loanee Vitor Roque in the box. After a lengthy VAR review, the referee not only confirmed the penalty but also sent off Hansi Flick with a red card and showed De Jong a yellow.
Barcelona regained the lead in the 82nd minute through Ferran Torres, who scored off a stunning pass from Yamal. Initially ruled offside, the goal was later awarded following a VAR check. However, Betis refused to back down. In added time, Asane Diao latched onto Aitor Ruibal’s cross and struck a perfect shot to level the score, sparking celebrations akin to a win for Betis.
Betis left the field with the joy of a hard-earned draw, while Barcelona were left to reflect on missed opportunities and a shaky grip on the league’s top spot.
