Five-star Barcelona crush Real Betis to go top of LaLiga

Champions Barcelona thrashed Real Betis 5-0 to move to the top of LaLiga on Saturday.

Joao Felix marked his first start of the club with his first goal and Robert Lewandowski also struck as Xavi’s side took control in the first half at their temporary Olympic Stadium home.

Ferran Torres, Raphinha and Joao Cancelo wrapped up an emphatic victory in the second half.

FULL TIME!!!!! #BarçaBetis pic.twitter.com/JBrz2DCOOL

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 16, 2023

The result took them a point clear of Real Madrid, who face Real Sociedad on Sunday, at the top of the table.

Betis, with seven points from their opening four games, had travelled with hope of causing an upset, but they were firmly put in their place by the champions despite an encouraging start.

Barca were sluggish in the opening minutes and the visitors had the first clear-cut opening when Luis Henrique fired just wide after being cleverly played in by Isco.

Barca eventually clicked into gear and Felix put them ahead after 25 minutes. He initially miskicked after meeting a cross from Oriol Romeu with an attempted volley but readjusted brilliantly to dribble round Rui Silva and slot home from an acute angle.

It’s the João Félix show