Barcelona 5-2 Real Betis
Antoine Griezmann’s La Liga debut with Barcelona did not exactly go as planned as they lost to Athletic Bilbao at San Mames. However, his first match at the Camp Nou was much more memorable as he bagged a brace and an assist to lead Barcelona to a comfortable 5-2 win over Real Betis.
With Lionel Messi, who recently suffered an injury setback, Luis Suarez, and Ousmane Dembele all out, Griezmann got the chance to be Barca’s main man up front instead of being stuck out wide, and he made the most of his opportunity. Youngster Carles Perez also capitalised on his rare start and bagged a goal of his own.
The La Liga 2019 odds were always against Betis getting a positive result at the Camp Nou, even with Barca missing three of their top stars. And as SBOBET — and many others — expected, Barcelona were always likely to bounce back from their opening weekend defeat at home.
Highlights of the game
As one would expect, Barcelona were on the front foot early at home. They had back to back half-chances in the 13th and 14th minutes.
Sergi Roberto found himself unmarked around the penalty spot, but he was unable to get his header on target. And moments later, Griezmann’s first-time effort was comfortably saved by Betis keeper Daniel Fernandez.
But Barca’s bright start was undone by a costly mistake by Sergio Busquets, which led to an early deficit. The veteran midfielder’s pass was intercepted in midfield, and Betis broke quickly the other way.
Loren Moron released Nabil Fekir with a terrific through ball, and the Betis newcomer unleashed a brilliant finish to the corner, just beyond the reach of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Barca very nearly equalised on 37 minutes. Busquets found an overlapping Jordi Alba, who pulled the ball back to a wide-open Rafinha. But the Barcelona forward’s shot was blocked by Betis’ Sidnei and bounced out for a corner.
But it was just a matter of time before the hosts levelled it all up, and they did just that on 41 minutes. A brilliant lofted pass from Sergi Roberto found Griezmann, whose lunging finish squeaked past Fernandez.
And the Frenchman didn’t have to wait long to add a second outstanding entry to what will likely be a long list of La Liga 2019 highlights.
Just five minutes after half-time, Griezmann and Roberto once again combined beautifully around the edge of the penalty area. Griezmann then set up a left-footed shot, which he curled expertly past a diving Fernandez.
Barca were in full flow at that point and were pouring on the pressure. Carles Perez came close to adding a third as he cut inside from the right wing, but his left-footed shot hit the side netting. However, the 21-year-old’s aim was much more accurate just minutes later.
After Busquets made a key interception at the edge of the Betis penalty area, Nelson Semedo picked out Perez, who took a touch and uncorked another left-footed strike which arrowed into the bottom corner.
A fourth came right at the hour mark. After winning another key challenge, Busquets picked out Jordi Alba, who was just about onside, and the veteran left-back kept his cool to supply a fine finish.
The hosts weren’t quite done yet, though. Arturo Vidal, who came on to replace Busquets, added a fifth — with the help of a beautiful pass by Griezmann.
After the goal, 16-year-old Ansu Fati made some history as he came on to become the second-youngest player in Barca’s history to play for the club in La Liga.
Betis did grab one more consolation goal — again, with the help of a Griezman pass. The Frenchman gave the ball right up to Moron, who left fly a brilliant long-range strike that flew right into the top corner.
That one miscue aside, though, it was a fine Camp Nou debut for Griezmann and Barca, who’ve now gotten off the mark this season.
Key statistics
For the second match in a row, Barcelona enjoyed a whopping 70 per cent of possession in the match. But unlike against Bilbao, they had a much more significant advantage in terms of shots. They finished with 20 shots (seven on target), while Bets had four shots (three on target).
Griezmann was clearly a lot more comfortable playing through the centre as opposed to out wide, and it showed in his stats. He produced a team-high seven shots in the match, four of which were on target.
What’s next?
Barcelona’s next league assignment will see them visit Osasuna this weekend. They will be hoping to have Messi back after the talisman suffered a setback in his recovery from a calf injury, although they will not risk Messi if he’s still not completely ready to return.
As for Betis, they will continue their search for their first points in the new campaign when they host Leganes at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
