FC Barcelona came tantalizingly close to securing what would have been their eighth consecutive away victory against Real Betis. However, a last-minute goal from the home side resulted in a 2-2 draw, leaving Barça with just one point after an eventful match in Seville.
The game saw Barcelona take an early lead in the first half, but a controversial penalty decision against them just over an hour into the match shifted the momentum. The penalty led to the dismissal of Frenkie de Jong, forcing the Catalans to play the final thirty minutes with only ten men.
Despite the setbacks, Barcelona showed remarkable resilience when Robert Lewandowski scored his 16th goal of the season, reinstating their lead after going down to ten players. However, their efforts were ultimately undone when Assane Diao equalized in injury time, leaving the match at 2-2.
Positively, this draw allows Barcelona to remain five points ahead of Real Madrid and six points clear of Atlético Madrid, even with the latter teams holding two games in hand. The contest showcased the team’s fighting spirit and ability to adapt under pressure, which will be vital as they prepare for a midweek Champions League match against Dortmund and a La Liga clash against Leganés next Sunday.
Summary: FC Barcelona faced Real Betis in a thrilling match that ended in a 2-2 draw, thanks to a late goal from the home side. Despite a controversial penalty and playing with ten men, Barcelona displayed resilience allowing them to hold off their rivals in the league standings. All focus will now shift to their upcoming fixtures in the Champions League and La Liga, where they aim to maintain their lead.