MATCH REPORT | Cruel ending (1-2)
Real Betis lost on Saturday against FC Barcelona after a vibrant match. The away side took the lead through Ansu Fati but the Green and Whites replied immediately with a goal by Bartra. It all seemed that the points were going to be shared, but Alba scored in the last minute.
The game began with high pace and chances on both ends. Betis gave the first warning with a counterattack that Juanmi did not finish and a header by Pezzella saved by Neto. The visitors had a good opportunity in a corner kick headed by Araujo that met a spectacular save by Rui Silva, who had just come on replacing an injured Claudio Bravo. The best chance for Betis came with a shot from Guido Rodríguez that hit the post. The last of the first period was for Memphis, who again was denied by Silva.
After the break, more emotion and chances for the two teams, especially for Betis. Juanmi had a great one but Neto answered with a spectacular save. The next one was again for the striker from Malaga, whose shot was a bit two soft this time. Barcelona then started to react and get closer to Betis' box. Aubameyang shot over the bar but Fati, who had just come on, found the net. The lead did not last long for Barcelona, as two minutes later Bartra headed in a free kick delivered by Fekir.
If any of the teams believed in the victory at this point it was Betis. The team pushed forward and created opportunities, the best one a header from Pezzella that went inches wide. When it all seemed that it was going to end in a draw, probably the fairest result, Alba smashed a great volley in the last second to give the away side the points.
Real Betis: Bravo (Rui Silva 17'), Sabaly, Pezzella, Bartra, Álex Moreno, Guido, Guardado (William Carvalho 77'), Canales, Juanmi (Rodri 77'), Fekir, Borja Iglesias.
Goals: Bartra (78').
Booked: Bartra.
FC Barcelona: Neto, Alves, Araujo, Eric García, Jordi Alba, Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi (Riqui Puig 80'), Ferrán (Ansu Fati 74'), Dembelé (Adama 74'), Memphis (Aubameyang 66').
Goals: Fati (78'), Alba (94').
Booked: Alves.
Referee: Antonio Mateu Lahoz.