MATCH REPORT | Defeat at Camp Nou (5-2)

Real Betis Balompié was beaten by FC Barcelona at Camp Nou. The team suffered but completed a decent first half and got the lead with the first official goal by Fekir in the team. However, the locals scored just before half time. The second half was a different story and Barcelona closed the game in 15 minutes. Loren scored the last goal of the game.

The match began with Barcelona trying to impose their pace in the game, displaying a really intense pressure. In this way, the first chance came with an effort from Griezmann that touched on Sidnei and went out by the post. The French striker tried again a few minutes later, finding Dani Martín at the other end. However, it was Betis who stroked first. Loren gave a great pass and Fekir finished it with a great effort to the bottom right corner. First official goal for the French as a Green and White.

The locals tried to increase their pressure after the goal, while Betis tried to defend and launch counterattacks. The team managed to break the pressure at certain moments and moved the ball well. The next chance was for Fekir again, who tried with a distant free kick that Ter Stegen saved. Barcelona had then their best chance so far, but Sidnei denied Rafinha in the last moment when he was about to score.

Griezmann did score four minutes before half time. The Frenchman smashed to the net a lobbed pass. The second half went underway with the same 22 men on the pitch, and Barcelona only took four minutes to get ahead in the score. Griezmann produced a good curled effort from the edge of the box to the far post.

The next chance was for Carles Pérez, who smashed his shot to the side netting. The young striker did not miss, though, in the 56th minute with a left-footed finish. Ten minutes into the second half and Betis had it very difficult now. On top of that, Betis were not feeling comfortable with the ball. In fact, a loss in the midfield provoked Barcelona's fourth goal. Jordi Alba was the scorer.

After that goal, Betis managed to control the ball more, but it looked like it was a consequence of Barcelona's decreasing their pace in the game. However, Vidal made the fifth following a fast counterattack. Loren replied two minutes later with a sensational long-range effort that went in by the top corner.

 

FC Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Semedo, Piqué, Lenglet, Jordi Alba, Busquets (Vidal 73'), De Jong, Sergi Roberto, Rafinha (Junior 81'), Griezmann, Carles Pérez (Ansu Fati 78'). Goals: Griezmann (41', 49'), Pérez (56'), Alba (60'), Vidal (77'). Booked: Piqué (32').

Real Betis Balompié: Dani Martín, Emerson, Bartra, Sidnei, Pedraza, William Carvalho, Guardado (Kaptoum 61'), Canales (Lainez 75'), Fekir, Tello (Joaquín 61'), Loren. Goals: Fekir (15'), Loren (79'). Booked: Carvalho (90').