Barcelona hosted Real Betis at the Montjuïc Stadium in an encounter between two squads that had not lost since January.
Barcelona could not capitalize on their dominance and had to be content with a 1-1 draw.
These are the five things learned from a night of missed opportunities and defensive solidity.
1. Quick Starts are Nothing if Not a Clinical Finish
Barcelona began in a blaze of glory, high-pressing and scoring early with a well-constructed counterattack finished by Gavi (initiated by Ferran Torres) after 10 minutes.
The fast start set the tone for Flick’s preferred style—quick transitions and suffocating pressure.
But as the match progressed, Barcelona’s inability to convert clear chances (Lewandowski, Ferran, and others all culpable of profligacy) into clearances kept Betis in the game.
2. Set-Piece Weakness Bites Again
Barcelona’s lead was gone from a corner only minutes after going ahead.
This is a recurring cause for concern that identifies Barça’s defensive vulnerability on dead balls—something that has cost them precious points this season.
Even with physical defenders such as Araújo and Koundé, their zonal marking approach tends to leave gaps, demonstrating that they have yet to organize with discipline in such circumstances.
3. Pau Cubarsí: A Defensive Gem Rising
One of the positives in an otherwise poor display was 17-year-old Pau Cubarsí, who again put in a composed performance.
His pressure ball-playing skill, accurate long balls, and assertive defending were impressive.
He even crafted key opportunities from the back, a reminder of why he’s making himself indispensable in a hurry.
4. Raphinha’s Absence (and Late Introduction) Hurt Barcelona’s Attack
Losing Raphinha’s starting position, Barcelona also didn’t have natural width and directness from the attacking side.
Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal did their best but could not push Betis’s defense consistently.
When Raphinha finally joined the action, his contribution was not much. If only he had started, Barcelona could have managed more penetration on the wings instead of traditional central play.
5. Betis’ Defensive Discipline Uncovers Barcelona’s Ruthlessness Deficit
Real Betis defended superbly, staying compact and frustrating Barcelona despite being dominated for long stretches.
Their resolve was the opposite of Barcelona’s wastefulness in front of a goal a bit of a trend this season. The Catalans had sufficient opportunities to win comfortably, but poor finishing and rash decision-making deprived them.
Unless they can be more clinical, they’ll continue to throw away points against well-organized sides.
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