Real Betis 1-2 Barcelona – La Liga 2022-23 MD 19 Highlights
Real Betis 1-2 Barcelona – La Liga 2022-23 MD 19 Highlights as the Blaugrana extended their lead at the top of La Liga to eight points.
Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski scored in the tough win at Estadio Benito Villamarin to earn their club three points against Real Betis.
Barca’s duo was on form while Ousmane Dembele would be out for around 5 weeks due to his latest injury.
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Real Betis 1-2 Barcelona highlights
The home team believed that finishing in the top four of La Liga this season was a realistic goal, and defeating Barcelona would have been a good place to start.
Manuel Pellegrini’s men indeed frustrated the league leaders as far as the hour mark with their disciplinary tactics while having some early chances.
Raphinha nodded in Frenkie de Jong’s cross after the half-hour mark, but it was ruled offside, and Luiz Henrique’s attempt went wide.
The second half was Barca’s game as Pedri forced Beti’s Rui Silva with a couple of reflexes saves only minutes after the restart.
Then the visitors finally found their moment when Balde made his run down the left, producing a low cross that was met by Raphinha’s tap-in to open the score.
Barca’s Brazilian winger has now been involved in six goals in all competitions in 2023 (three goals and three assists)—the joint-most among LaLiga players.
Lewandowski marked his return to the league with a crucial goal after serving a three-match ban. The Polish striker successfully converted Ronald Araujo’s assist.
As Barca was thought to be comfortable with a two-goal lead, Betis’ pressure had Jules Kounde commit a bizarre own goal with five minutes remaining.
But thanks to the solid defense, the visitors held firm to the win by one goal as they have now won each of their last four league games by a one-goal margin, the longest such run in their history.
What’s next?
Barcelona host struggling Sevilla in LaLiga on Sunday as Xavi’s men will be put on another stern test to defend their first place at the table.
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TOM is a dedicated soccer writer whose words come alive on the page, mirroring the electric energy of the pitch. With a keen eye for detail and an unbridled love for the sport
