Lionel Messi’s half-time introduction ensured Barcelona ended a four-game La Liga run without a win as they cruised to a 5-2 victory over Real Betis at the Camp Nou on Saturday.
After a spirited opening in which both sides wasted a number of chances, it was the home side who took the lead, Ousmane Dembele cutting inside before curling a thunderous left-foot drive past Claudio Bravo.
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— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 7, 2020
Ronald Koeman’s side then had a wonderful chance to double their lead from the penalty spot, only for Bravo to save Antoine Griezmann’s effort, and they were made to pay as Bates headed in Antonio Sanabria on the stroke of half-time. shot at the house. from close range.
A poor performance saw Koeman reach for Lionel Messi’s panic button on the break, and it didn’t take long for him to show his class, producing a brilliant dummy to allow Griezmann to tap into space. Bates drew the attention of the backline first. Net
The game was ruled a contest as Esia Mundi was sent off for a handball on the line, resulting in Messi slotting home the penalty, although Lorenzo Morrone still had time to save Messi and Strikes from Padre added a late consolation for the visitors before wrapping up. A great victory.
That’s the highlights of the game, now let’s take a look at Barcelona’s player rankings.
Pique starts at the center of Barcelona’s defense / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK) – 6/10 – There was nothing he could do about Betis’ goals. Demonstrated great handling and was comfortable in possession.
Sergi Roberto (RB) – 5/10 – Repeatedly caught neglecting his defensive duties and could have cost his team but for Bates to finish. It is much better to advance than to be forced to defend.
Gerard Pique (CB) – 5/10 – He looked very shaky in the first half and spent more time pointing at others than focusing on his own performance. Steady in the latter stages of the second half but by then the game was over.
Clement Lenglet (CB) – 5/10 – The centre-back looked more composed than his partner but was caught flat-footed to equalize for the visitors.
Jordi Alba (LB) – 7/10 – The runner always ready to leave Barcelona is gone. Looked strong defensively and produced a clever pullback for his side’s second of the game.
Sergio Busquets anchors the midfield brilliantly / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Padre (CM) – 7/10 – Showed plenty of effort and produced some brilliant touches around the Betis penalty area.
Sergio Busquets (CM) – 7/10 – A metronome in the middle of the field. Rarely ventured beyond the center circle as he commanded play with ease and continued to produce brilliant passes to break down the Betis lines.
Frankie De Jong (CM) – 5/10 – Overshadowed by his midfield partners. The majority of the game left him somewhat behind, although he began to show his class when the visitors were reduced to ten men and space began to open up.
Ousmane Dembele celebrates his stunning opener / Eric Alonso/Getty Images
Ousmane Dembele (RW) – 8/10 – Fantastic piece of forward play to maneuver himself from a yard out before scoring the game’s opening goal. The game pulled back in the second half but won it all.
Antoine Griezmann (ST) – 3/10 – Gave away gilt-edged chances early on, including spot kicks. A goal was finally found thanks to unselfish play from the brilliant Messi, but it wasn’t enough to salvage a shocking afternoon.
Anas Fati (LW) – 7/10 – Showed great awareness and movement to win his side a penalty. His influence on the game faded with the arrival of Messi, but he was still busy and full of runs.
Lionel Messi creates a moment of magic without even touching the ball / Erik Alonso / Getty Images
Lionel Messi (ST) – 9/10 – As he often is, and has been for the past 15 years, Messi was the difference maker for Barcelona today.
Francisco Trincao (RW) – 7/10
Martin Braithwaite (ST) – 6/10
Miralem Pjanic (CM) – N/A