Barcelona’s Road Woes Continue in La Liga Draw with Real Betis

Sevilla, Spain – Barcelona’s struggles away from home continued on Sunday as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Real Betis in La Liga. The result leaves Xavi’s side eight points behind leaders Girona and increases the pressure on the manager.

Betis’ Bright Start

Betis, who had won just one of their previous four matches, started the game brightly and took the lead through Borja Iglesias in the 15th minute. The striker latched onto a long ball from Guido Rodriguez and fired a low shot past Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s replacement, Inaki Pena.

Barcelona’s Equalizer

Barcelona equalized just before half-time when Robert Lewandowski headed home a cross from Ousmane Dembélé. The Polish striker now has 14 goals in La Liga this season, but his team’s defensive frailties were exposed again in the second half.

Fekir’s Stunning Free-Kick

Nabil Fekir restored Betis’ lead in the 55th minute with a stunning free-kick from 25 yards out. The Frenchman’s effort left Pena with no chance and sent the home crowd into raptures.

Raphinha’s Late Equalizer

Barcelona pushed for an equalizer and were rewarded in the 83rd minute when Raphinha fired home from close range. The Brazilian had only been on the pitch for a few minutes, but he made an immediate impact.

Result Leaves Barcelona Eight Points Behind

However, Betis held on for a point in the end, and Barcelona’s winless run away from home now stretches to six matches. The result is a major setback for Xavi’s side, who are now eight points behind Girona in the title race.

Storylines

Real Betis

• Betis ended a four-match winless run with a 2-1 victory over Getafe in their previous match.
• The team is currently seventh in La Liga, four points behind Real Sociedad in sixth place.
• Betis has been in good form at home this season, winning six of their nine matches.

Barcelona

• Barcelona is winless in their last six away matches in La Liga.
• The team is eight points behind Girona in the title race.
• Barcelona has been struggling defensively, conceding 19 goals in their last 10 matches.

Key Players

Real Betis

• Borja Iglesias: The striker has scored 10 goals in La Liga this season.
• Nabil Fekir: The midfielder is Betis’ creative force and has scored five goals this season.
• Guido Rodriguez: The Argentine midfielder is a key part of Betis’ midfield and has contributed four assists this season.

Barcelona

• Robert Lewandowski: The striker has scored 14 goals in La Liga this season.
• Ousmane Dembélé: The winger has been in good form this season, scoring five goals and providing seven assists.
• Pedri: The midfielder is one of Barcelona’s most talented young players and has been in good form this season.

Prediction

This is a tough match to call, but I think Barcelona will just edge it. They have the better players and should be able to create more chances. However, Betis is a dangerous team at home and could cause Barcelona problems.

Pick: Barcelona 2, Real Betis 1

Call to Action

What do you think of Barcelona’s performance in this match? Let us know in the comments below!