Barcelona took on a tough opposition in Actual Betis on Saturday afternoon at Benito Villamarin and had been put to a really powerful check.
Hansi Flick deployed his strongest potential XI in opposition to the Seville-based aspect, however the Blaugrana comparatively struggled in opposition to Actual Betis’ compact defence.
Los Verdiblancos began the sport nicely with probabilities within the opening minutes and Barcelona took near 10 minutes to stabilise the ship.
Robert Lewandowski finally put the crew forward with a well-timed end and Barcelona entered the half-time break 1-0 up.
After the break, nonetheless, it was Actual Betis who dominated the play and created probability after probability from the primary play. They finally gained a penalty after a Frenkie de Jong foul and equalised after the hour mark.
Ferran Torres discovered the again of the web within the 83rd minute after an excellent Lamine Yamal help to place the Blaugrana forward. Nevertheless, a stoppage-time objective from the hosts noticed the spoils shared.
Barça Common brings you the participant rankings from Actual Betis 2-2 Barcelona.
Inaki Pena: 9
The goalkeeper was compelled into motion early within the recreation when Ez Abde had a golden probability to place Los Verdiblancos forward and got here up clutch, denying the previous Barcelona star. Was comparatively unfazed other than that within the opening interval.
Made one other large save early within the second half to disclaim Chimy Avila, proving why he has the supervisor’s belief. Conceded from the penalty spot earlier than being eaten in stoppage time once more.
Pena couldn’t cease Lo Celso. (Picture by Fran Santiago/Getty Photos)
Alejandro Balde: 7.5
The left-back was up in opposition to tough opposition on the left flank with Actual Betis’ Youssuf Sabaly and Chimy Avila becoming a member of forces to maintain him at bay in assault.
But, he got here up with some good mixture play in tight areas and helped retain possession.
Pau Cubarsi: 7.5
The teenager was composed all through the sport though he did face the warmth within the opening spells of each halves. Timed his challenges nicely and was spotless along with his distribution.
Inigo Martinez: 8
The veteran didn’t make any particular person errors like his accomplice however was additionally below severe stress within the opening interval of the second half when Actual Betis turned up the warmth in assault.
Jules Kounde: 7
The proper-back was once more common in defence as he typically bought overrun by Abde and it was clear that Actual Betis prioritised attacking down his flank.
Offensively, nonetheless, he mixed nicely with Lamine Yamal and even conjured an ideal cross to register the help for Robert Lewandowski’s opening objective.
Pedri: 8.5
The Canary Islander was easy in possession though his distribution was questionable at occasions with a couple of mistimed and overhit passes creeping in.
But, he managed the midfield, contributed defensively to immense measure and created the area for Kounde by opening up the Betis for Lewandowski’s opener.
Marc Casado: 8
Tough and relentless, Casado was all over the place on the sector at Benito Villamarin and did all of the soiled work in the course of the sector.
Whereas his distribution was on level as standard, it was his defensive contributions that stole the limelight in opposition to an impressed Actual Betis midfield.
Dani Olmo: 6.5
Olmo regarded to lurk within the areas behind Actual Betis’ defence and was always linking up with Lamine Yamal to unlock the Seville-based aspect’s defence.
Nevertheless, he didn’t fairly make the identical attacking impression that we have now come to affiliate along with his title.
Raphinha: 7.5
The captain’s work price was off the charts regardless of him not getting on the ball as a lot as he would have appreciated to.
Had a very good probability to double the scoring and did nicely along with his volley within the dying minutes of the primary half however had it blocked.
The Brazilian additionally made a surprising clearance off the road to maintain the rating at 0-0 earlier within the half.
Lamine Yamal: 9
The Spanish protege was the first attacking outlet for his crew, particularly with the membership prioritising attacking down the proper flank.
Always regarded for the ultimate go excessive however was not fortunate within the opening interval.
Was beautiful within the second half time and time once more as he dissected the Actual Betis defence along with his sensational passes and finally bagged the help for Ferran Torres’ objective.
Robert Lewandowski: 8.5
Scoring run continues. (Picture by Fran Santiago/Getty Photos)
The Polish striker opened the scoring for Barcelona with a splendidly timed run previous the defence and a easy tap-in into the objective.
He regarded refreshed after per week’s relaxation and was always pitching in by dropping down deep and serving to construct up the play.
Frenkie de Jong: 5
Got here on as a second-half substitution and gave away a penalty with an pointless foul that helped Actual Betis equalise.
Ferran Torres: 7
Contributed nothing strong regardless of enjoying over half-hour, was terrible in entrance of objective and along with his runs previous the defence.
Nevertheless, scored the crew’s second objective with an honest end and was fortunate to remain onside as he made no effort to examine his place however a Actual Betis defender missed his line.