Isco scored twice to cancel out Barcelona’s two-goal lead, but the Blaugrana netted a couple of late goals to defeat Real Betis 4-2 at the Estadio Benito Villamarin on Sunday evening.
The visitors were in control of the game in the opening stages, with Pedri dictating the tempo in the middle third. The Barcelona midfielder missed from inside the box 14 minutes into the duel, as the Blaugrana piled the pressure on Betis.
A smooth team play from Xavi Hernandez’s men saw Pedri tee up Ferran Torres, who didn’t miss from close range and put Barcelona ahead in the 21st minute.
Youngster Lamine Yamal could have doubled Barcelona’s lead before the interval, as he pulled off an outstanding individual move before unleashing a curler that crashed against the left post.
Robert Lewandowski did net a second just before the break, but his goal was disallowed for offside and Barcelona took a narrow lead into half-time.
Barcelona hit the ground running in the second half and it took them just three minutes to double their lead. A Lamine Yamal cross saw the ball hit the woodwork, but Torres pounced on the rebound for his second of the game.
Betis’ reaction
The hosts reacted instantly, with Isco pulling off a first-time strike that found its way into the back of the net in the 57th minute.
Then, the former Real Madrid midfielder received a lofted ball at the back of the defence and sent the ball past Inaki Pena to level the scores on the hour mark.
Isco celebratesEFE
Barcelona clinch the win
Vitor Roque squandered a fine chance to get his name on the scoresheet a few minutes later and Luiz Henrique sent the ball just wide after a smooth individual move.
The game could have gone either way, but it was Joao Felix who netted his team’s third goal as the match was heading into added time.
Betis pushed forward for a leveller in the stoppage time, but Barcelona hit on the counter through Torres, who completed his hat-trick.
The Blaugrana remain third in the league, seven points behind leaders Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Betis sit ninth, four points outside of the European spots.
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