MATCH REPORT | Defeat against FC Barcelona (2-3)
Real Betis Balompié lost tonight against FC Barcelona in a game in which the Green and Whites deserved better. The game was really close in all senses, with both sides fighting for control and with chances to score more goals.
Th game started with a really high pace, with the two teams fighting for the possession. Both sides were also creating chances. Borja Iglesias and Juanmi had two good opportunities to open the score, and Lenglet replied on the other end. Then, in the 38th minute, Real Betis created a great counterattack. Fekir opened the ball to the right, where Emerson produced a cross that Borja Iglesias tapped in.
After half time, the game became a rollercoaster. Barcelona started better and had the first through Mingueza, whose effort was denied by Joel Robles in a great save. The next one was Juanmi on the other end. The striker received a great pass from Fekir but his shot was deflected wide by Ter Stegen. Messi did not miss a couple of minutes later, tying up the score.
A few moments later, in a quite unlucky play, Víctor Ruiz scored and own goal after an unfortunate rebound. From that moment, Betis took a step forward and started to have the ball more and create chances. Víctor Ruiz found redemption and headed in a kick off delivered by Fekir. The team had some opportunities afterwards, but couldn't score. In fact, three minutes before the end, Trincao scored a great goal to take the three points for his team.
Real Betis Balompié: Joel Robles, Emerson, Mandi, Víctor Ruiz, Álex Moreno, Paul (Guido Rodríguez 75'), Guardado, Aitor Ruibal (Rodri 64'), Fekir (Canales 82'), Juanmi (Tello 75'), Borja Iglesias (Loren 82').
Goals: Iglesias (38'), Víctor Ruiz (74').
Booked: Víctor Ruiz (77`).
FC Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Mingueza, Araujo (De Jong 11'), Lenglet, Jordi Alba, Busquets (Umtiti 77'), Pjanic (Trincao 57'), Riqui Puig (Messi 57'), Dembélé, Griezmann, Braithwaite (Pedri 46').
Goals: Messi (58'), Víctor Ruiz, og (67'), Trincao (86').
Booked: De Jong (47'), Dembélé (64'), Busquets (73').
Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande.