Hey, Madrid, you should thank Betis! Barca held out at home, title race is still on
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 06.04.25. | 00:04
The Sevilla side salvaged a draw in Barcelona, thanks to a perfect defensive display, while Flick's men were far from their usual level - 1-1
Barcelona don't like gifts! Valencia presented them with a fantastic victory over Real Madrid, giving them a chance to increase their advantage in La Liga to six points, but the Catalans "gambled away" that opportunity, failing to beat Betis!
Blaugrana threw the first punch, breaking the deadlock over Gavi already after seven minutes, but the visitors quickly responded through Natan's header ten minutes later.
By the break, Lamine Yamal and Pedri wasted decent opportunities, while Barca were completely anaesthetized by Manuel Pellegrini's squad in the second half, making only one good goalscoring chance, which Jules Kounde wasted, as Betis' custodian Adrian was outstanding today.
FT: Barcelona 1-1 Real Betis.
— The Touchline | Football Coverage (@TouchlineX) April 5, 2025
Barcelona FAIL to take full advantage of Real Madrid's 3 points dropped, though they still make the difference 4 points with this draw! pic.twitter.com/Z0BraWfZb8
Pedri's decent chance and Adrian's excellent save hinted at the first-half fireworks after only six minutes. Practically in the following attack, Barca took the lead, as Gavi managed to do what his fellow midfielder couldn't! Giovani Lo Celso lost the ball in Betis' half, Ferran Torres sent a perfect first-touch pass for Gavi, who ruthlessly found the net against his boyhood club, making it 1-0 with his first goal of the season.
🚨🇪🇸 GOAL | Barcelona 1-0 Real Betis | Gavi
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) April 5, 2025
GAVI OPENS THE SCORING FOR BARCELONA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/9hvU3thEAM
However, Manuel Pellegrini's crew "refused to die" so easily. On the contrary, Betis threatened in the 14th minute over Cucho Hernandez, whose effort from distance went over the bar. Yet, three minutes later, the Sevilla side didn't fail!
Lo Celso took a corner kick, and Betis' defender, Natan, outsmarted Ronald Araujo, sending a smashing header into Wojciech Szczesny's net to level the score!
⚽️ GOAL: Natan
— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) April 5, 2025
🇪🇸 Barcelona 1-1 Real Betispic.twitter.com/CBNos0DiDT
Seven minutes before the break, Lamine Yamal made two dangerous attempts, one after another, but Adrian saved the first, while the second was blocked by former Barca defender and the Catalans' child Marc Bartra, and the rivals remained level at the break.
Ten minutes into the second half, Adrian saved Jules Kounde's close-range strike, while Hansi Flick realized he'd need his best player on the pitch and subbed in Raphinha for Torres. Minutes later, Gavi was close to completing a brace, but his strike went narrowly wide of the right post.
In the final quarter of an hour, the German gaffer opted for all-out attack strategy, subbing in Fermin Lopez as his last resort, but it didn't help, as Betis salvaged a vital draw in Barcelona and kept the title battle exciting since the gap between Barca and Real Madrid is four points.
LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 30
Friday
Rayo Vallecano - Espanyol 0-4 (0-2)
/Cabrera 12, Fernandes 16, Puado 72 (p), Milla 90/
Saturday
Girona - Alaves 0-1 (0-0)
/Vicente 61/
Real Madrid - Valencia 1-2 (0-1)
/Vinicius Jr 50 - Diakhaby 15, Duro 90+5/
Mallorca - Celta 1-2 (1-0)
/Valjent 17 - Gonzalez 53, Lopez F. 72/
Barcelona - Betis 1-1 (1-1)
/Gavi 7 - Natan 17/
Sunday
15:00: (3.25) Las Palmas (3.15) Sociedad (2.35)
17:15: (3.30) Sevilla (3.20) Atl.Madrid (2.30)
19:30: (4.30) Valladolid (3.30) Getafe (1.93)
22:00: (2.35) Villareal (3.40) Ath.Bilbao (3.00)
Monday
22:00: (2.65) Leganes (3.05) Osasuna (2.90)
***odds are subject to change***
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