Barcelona was unable to outsmart their host and had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Real Betis on Saturday. After a late goal from Assane Diao altered the course of the match in the final seconds, the Catalans had to give up their 2-1 advantage in extra time. Although having to split the points may have felt unfair, Barca was ultimately fortunate to get away with anything at all. Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski scored goals for Barcelona, while Jules Kounde and Lamine Yamal were also standout players.
At halftime, Betis would have been irater than a dominant Barcelona club as both sides exited the field and went into the dressing rooms. Betis was still trying to find a way back into the game when play started up again. Giovani Lo Celso’s free kick and the midfielder’s attempt to nod in a goal gave them two chances to show that they were dangerous on headers once more. The hosts became increasingly irritated with their lack of a finished product as neither came to pass.
Hansi Flick says, “We have to change,” in response to Barcelona’s draw
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has urged his side to improve after being held to a 2-2 draw by Real Betis on Saturday in La Liga. The German warned his side they were “too slow” and “relied on long balls” at the Benito Villamarín and wants more quality from his players. “It wasn’t a really good game, but we have a young team, and we must improve a lot. That’s what we have to do, and away from home, as we have seen in recent results and also today, we must be stronger. It’s up to us to improve on that,” he told reporters.
“We must demonstrate that we possess the qualities necessary to prevail. We must pass the ball more quickly; we were too slow and frequently used long balls today. We need to change this since it is not one of our strong points.
The draw continues the sequence of patchy play by the Catalan powerhouse. With games against Atletico, Leganes, and Dortmund remaining in the season, Flick’s squad will now try to improve.
