MATCH REPORT | Real Betis is defeated by FC Barcelona (1-4)

Loren scored for the Green and Whites

Real Betis Balompié fell today against FC Barcelona. The match was decided by Messi, who put on a great performance and netted a hat-trick. The goal for the Green and Whites came by Loren.

The first chance of the game was for Tello, who got a good pass from Lo Celso, but was denied by Roberto when he was in front of the keeper.

The first minutes were quite even, with both sides fighting for the possession. It was Betis who had it more in the first fifteen minutes. The next occasion was again for the home side, but Jesé, unmarked, did not reach a cross delivered by Guardado. However, Barça hit first with a free kick that Messi pout into the top corner.

The goal fell hard on Betis and Barcelona took the possession for the first time. Another foul in a similar spot (even if Vidal clearly dived, he fooled the referee) was this time saved by Pau López. Betis managed to get back on their feet and started to attack again. Jesé tried but his shot went just wide. Before half time, a good combination between Suárez and Messi ended with a goal from the Argentine.

The first chance of the second half was for Suárez, who did not find the net in front of Pau López. Betis still continued trying but they could not find the way to the goal. Canales did it and found himself in front of Ter Stegen but, strangely, could no connect a good finish. Betis were now completely focused on attack but were leaving open spaces in the back and Barça wanted to counterattack.

In this way came the third, following a loss in midfield. Suárez made a run towards the goal and put the ball past López. Betis didn't give up and kept on trying, but the next chance was for Suárez, denied this time by Pau. The final ten minutes came and Betis wanted, at least, to make the score up. Lainez and Emerson, since they came on, where quite active on the right wing.

Finally, the goal arrived. After a long play, Lainez assisted Loren, whose shot went straight to the top corner. It was not done yet, and Messi scored in the added time a sensational goal that even Betis fans applauded.

Real Betis Balompié: Pau López, Joaquín (Emerson 66'), Mandi, Bartra, Sidnei, Tello, Carvalho (Loren 74'), Guardado, Canales, Lo Celso (Lainez 67'), Jesé.
Goals: Loren (81').
Booked: Guardado (16').

FC Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Sergi Roberto, Piqué, Lenglet, Jordi Alba, Busquets, Arthur (Semedo 63'), Vidal, Rakitic (Aleñá 88'), Messi, Suárez (Coutinho 88').
Goals: Messi (17', 45', 84'), Suárez (62').
Booked: Lenglet (51'), Semedo (66').

Referee: Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.