The latest victory for FC Barcelona came in the ever-formidable Benito Villamarin stadium. La Blaugrana entered the clash expecting a resilient Real Betis side, and they were welcomed by one. However, through grit and quality, Barcelona emerged as the rightful victors.
Yet, the 4-2 win has more behind it than simply meets the eye with its grand scoreline. Despite the fact that Barcelona were convincing for a vast amount of the game, there are intricate details that make the game such a valiant victory.
Undefeated at home prior to this game, Betis were a team that Barcelona needed to overcome for a lot of reasons. Ultimately, they managed to do exactly that. Consequently, Mundo Deportivo has taken the chance to highlight the five keys that helped Barça to do so.
1: ‘La Pausa’ and more
The entirety of the first half saw Barcelona maintain a great deal of control over the game. With the involvement of Pedri, Frenkie De Jong, Ilkay Gundogan, and surprisingly, that of Pau Cubarsi, distribution, and control over the ball became faultless.
Knowing when to stop and go, little details connected and made Barça open up many spaces for themselves. Exploiting these was often not done in the best of ways, but the creative and controlling aspects of the game were commendable.
2: Young heroes emerge
Two 16-year-old wonderkids of La Masia came to rescue Barcelona in a time of need. Over many years, the academy and subsidiary continue to have Barça’s back. Even now, their talented youngsters shine for the club whenever called upon.
Lamine Yamal, with his dazzling qualities, stunned the crowd and those at home with his dribbling. Beyond just that, he effectively created two goals for Ferran Torres. Moreover, had it not been for his misfortune, two of his great post shots would have ended as goals for him.
The other, Pau Cubarsi, was equally as capable in showing off his own unique gifts. Despite his tender age, no amount of intimidation from Real Betis stunned him. Weaving and passing through their cracks, the 16-year-old showcased exactly why many tout him as a generational defender.
3: Putting on a show
Beyond just the collective brilliance at display, Barça’s players rose to the occasion individually. Ferran Torres, with his great mental fortitude, powered his way through to a hattrick. Moreover, he even provided a critical assist to Joao Felix, with his partner amazing with a trivela goal.
Lamine Yamal, already highlighted, was the other great performer in this circus of talent. All in all, across the field, the many stars and starlets of Barcelona played to show why they belong.
4: Immovable character
FC Barcelona have scored many goals at late points this season, and they are not looking to stop any time soon. Even after the momentum shifted towards Real Betis, as the Andalusians tied the score at 2-2, Barcelona kept their heads.
In fact, with the way La Blaugrana bounced back, Betis were the ones left stunned. Through two late goals, Barcelona reminded the league of why they continue to have that never-say-never attitude.
5: No shaking legs
A great weakness of Barcelona prior to this game was the ease with which they were often carved open first. It seemed that first blood almost always went to their opponents, as they would score against Barça before the Catalans could even take an initiative.
This time, however, that was not the case. Playing with pride and composure, Barcelona ensured that they were the first to leave a dent. Two goals came for La Blaugrana before Real Betis even managed to start scoring their own.
