Tuesday, April 30, 2024

La Liga wrap: Messi brace helps Barca beat gutsy Betis

SoccerNews in English Premier League, La Liga 16 Jan 2012

126 Views

Barcelona conceded at home for the first time this La Liga season as they defeated Real Betis 4-2 on Sunday.

The hosts took a two-goal lead early in the match at Camp Nou thanks to strikes from Xavi Hernandez and Lionel Messi.

The first arrived after just nine minutes, when Isaac Cuenca played a clever through-ball for Cesc Fabregas from the edge of the 18-yard box.

Former Arsenal man Fabregas hit the post with his shot, but his Spain international team-mate Xavi made no mistake, slotting the ball home on the rebound.

Two minutes later, Alexis Sanchez worked his way up the left flank, and sent in a looping cross for Messi, who tapped beyond Betis goalkeeper Casto Espinosa.

The promoted visitors might have been expected to crumble after going behind so early, but instead they managed what no other team had done in the league so far this season – breaching the champions’ defence in front of their own fans.

In the 32nd minute, Jorge Molina found Salvo Sevilla on the edge of the box.

Midfielder Sevilla hit a weak effort toward goal but Ruben Castro redirected beyond Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes to bring his side back into the game.

In the second half, Betis rose to the challenge, continuing to outplay their opponents and managing to equalise.

On a rapid counterattack, substitute Roque Santa Cruz found Molina on the left.

The quick forward advanced up the flank and returned the ball to Santa Cruz, who unleashed a shot from outside the box, beating Valdes for a second time.

Barcelona upped their temp in response and, to their credit, Betis initially withstood the onslaught.

But in the 70th minute defender Mario received his marching orders for a second yellow card.

Barca capitalised on the man advantage five minutes later, as Chile international Sanchez struck a weak effort from outside the box, enough to beat Casto and make it 3-2 to Barca.

Soon after, Jose Dorado was punished for a handball in his own box, with Messi converting the resulting penalty.

The win sees second-placed Barca stay four points back from league leaders Real Madrid, while Betis are 11th.

In other matches, a brace from Radamel Falcao helped Atletico Madrid defeat Villarreal 3-0 at home.

Two penalties from Christian Stuani were enough for Racing Santander to win 2-0 away to Osasuna.

Fernando Amorebieta and Fernando Llorente scored in the first half as Athletic Bilbao beat 10-man Levante 3-0 at home.

And Oscar Trejo’s 92nd-minute winner earned Sporting Gijon a dramatic 2-1 win at home Malaga.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SoccerNews

Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.

You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.

SHARE OR COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

WE RECOMMEND

  • Vince Fu

    0 0

    I wld say redknapp n villas boa r crab. I am a stench spurs supporter but spurs r only in it coz of few good players producing their magic like bale n lennon. Adebayor is not d player he was. I wld say that swansea is the most exiting team to watch n they r improving. They r like peter beardsley n mates coming out from obscurity. Villas boa is flowing with d tide. He can change his emotions any time. When chelsea loses he gives excuses but when win he says something else. Certainly shows his lack of confidence. Pls b reminded that jose won d major cup TWICE but u won d minor cup once. I think abramovich made a huge mistake. Redknapp comes out to boast about not spending to win n spurs went on to draw with wolves. Lucky Spurs dont hv that money to spend or he wl run the club to the ground. At one period he wants to buy all players n is in almost every transfer news. Seriously spurs dont hv d teamwork at all. If the key players get injured they r doomed, n modric is not one of them. I really dont c d greatness in modric. There r other better players in other lesser teams. I wonder about sandro they say hes brazilian till now i hv my doubts in d football sense! Hes a horrible player n redknapp n his scouts r either blind or something else! As much as i hate to say, some teams r in it coz mu is rebuilding n funny managers r employed in england. Overall i think d premier standards hv deteriorated. Mancini is good for local leagues only not d big one. The way he plays his team one can c y!

  • Vince Fu

    0 0

    Messi is a great player but he may be no. 2 or 3 best ever. He performs well for barca only as they have great players in xavi n inesta. Put him in an average team hes nothing. He has always been crab for argentina. Statistics show that maradona is the greatest of all time. He went to napoli an average team n he won them the italuan league twice. He captioned an average argentinean team to the world cup almost singlehandedly. He could had another but he was disqualified for dope but without d skills all d dope is nothing. Messi is a great player when playing amongst great players But maradona was a phenominal player when playing amongst fools. I would also rate pele higher than messi. But time is on messi’s side n he could prove me wrong.

  • Vince Fu

    0 0

    Messi is a great player but he may be no. 2 or 3 best ever. He performs well for barca only as they have great players in xavi n inesta. Put him in an average team hes nothing. He has always been crab for argentina. Statistics show that maradona is the greatest of all time. He went to napoli an average team n he won them the italuan league twice. He captioned an average argentinean team to the world cup almost singlehandedly. He could had another but he was disqualified for dope but without d skills all d dope is nothing. Messi is a great player when playing amongst great players But maradona was a phenominal player when playing amongst fools. I would also rate pele higher than messi. But time is on messi’s side n he could prove me wrong.

  • Vince Fu

    0 0

    I wld say redknapp n villas boa r crab. I am a stench spurs supporter but spurs r only in it coz of few good players producing their magic like bale n lennon. Adebayor is not d player he was. I wld say that swansea is the most exiting team to watch n they r improving. They r like peter beardsley n mates coming out from obscurity. Villas boa is flowing with d tide. He can change his emotions any time. When chelsea loses he gives excuses but when win he says something else. Certainly shows his lack of confidence. Pls b reminded that jose won d major cup TWICE but u won d minor cup once. I think abramovich made a huge mistake. Redknapp comes out to boast about not spending to win n spurs went on to draw with wolves. Lucky Spurs dont hv that money to spend or he wl run the club to the ground. At one period he wants to buy all players n is in almost every transfer news. Seriously spurs dont hv d teamwork at all. If the key players get injured they r doomed, n modric is not one of them. I really dont c d greatness in modric. There r other better players in other lesser teams. I wonder about sandro they say hes brazilian till now i hv my doubts in d football sense! Hes a horrible player n redknapp n his scouts r either blind or something else! As much as i hate to say, some teams r in it coz mu is rebuilding n funny managers r employed in england. Overall i think d premier standards hv deteriorated. Mancini is good for local leagues only not d big one. The way he plays his team one can c y!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required *

Join the conversation!

or Register

Live Scores

advertisement

Betting Guide Advertisement

advertisement

Become a Writer
More More
Top