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Barcelona’s 20th game of the 2023-24 La Liga season saw them take the trip to one of Spain’s most daunting stadiums – Benito Villamarin. Taking on one of the league’s best sides in recent years was far from an easy ask, but one hoped the Blaugranas would draw inspiration from the 5-0 defeat they inflicted on the same opposition at Montjuic last year.
Xavi deployed his strongest eleven on the night, starting with Inaki Pena in goal. Ronald Araujo was joined by debutant Pau Cubarsi in central defence with Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde at full-back.
Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Ilkay Gundogan started in the middle of the park. They were joined by Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal in the final third.
The Azulgranas got the clash underway in Seville with comfortable domination of possession in the opening spell. They featured a fierce press, breaking Betis’ buildup at the roots.
Five minutes into the game, however, the first big chance fell to the hosts. Stemming from a long-range free-kick, Isco’s eventual lofted pass found Henrique in space. The Betis star, however, could not make the most of it.
The period that followed saw the Catalans build up in intensity with waves of impressive attacks. Betis’ high line helped Barcelona progress with ease, for they easily threaded through the gaps in defence.
After a brief Betis chance in the 12th minute, Barcelona found their first real opportunity of the night. De Jong found a lovely flick to find Pedri through on goal, but the Canary Islander’s shot scraped the top of the net.
The Catalan pressure went on to build further, and they had their reward in the 21st minute. It did involve a great deal of fortune, for it was a deflection off Gundogan’s initial pass that saw it fall at Pedri’s feet. The youngster smartly crossed the ball towards the far post where Ferran Torres was in a position to capitalise.
Lamine Yamal had his attempt on goal in the 29th minute only to have it denied by…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/real-betis-2-4-barcelona-match-review/
Author : Adithya Eshwarla
Publish date : 2024-01-21 19:32:37
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