The FC Barcelona faced Real Betis at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys and ended up pairing 1-1 on the 30th of LaLiga, on April 4, 2025. Although this result allowed them to remain at the top with 66 points, it left a bittersweet flavor, as they could not take advantage of the defeat of Real Madrid (1-2 against Valencia) to increase their advantage to 6 points. The tie maintains the emotion in the struggle for the title, with Barcelona now 4 points ahead of Real Madrid (62 points) and 3 points on the Atlético de Madrid (63 points, which has a less match).
Alignments
FC Barcelona (4-2-3-1):
- Porter: Wojciech Szczesny
- Defenses: Jules Koundé, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsí, Alejandro Balde
- Campers: Frenkie de Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha
- Delantero: Robert Lewandowski
- Substitutions: Fermin López (by Gavi, min. 70), Gerard Martín (by Alejandro Balde, min. 75).
- Coach: Hansi Flick
Royal Betis (4-2-3-1):
- Porter: Adriana
- Defenses: Youssouf Sabaly, Marc Bartra, Diego Llorente, Ricardo Rodríguez
- Campers: Johnny Cardoso, Pablo Fornals; Antony, Giovani Lo Celso, Jesús Rodríguez
- Delantero: Cucho Hernández
- Substitutions: Natan (by Marc Bartra, min. 60), Romain Perraud (by Ricardo Rodríguez, min. 70).
- Coach: Manuel Pellegrini
Technical and Tactical Analysis
FC Barcelona:
The Barcelona, under the direction of Hansi Flick, was presented with a 4-2-3-1 scheme that had a clear offensive approach. His aim was to dominate possession and create danger for the bands, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha making his own, while Lewandowski was positioned as the benchmark in the area. Practically, the team maintained a high possession of the ball (65% according to SofaScore), but found it difficult to turn their opportunities into goals. Gavi stood out as the midfield engine, providing both intensity and creativity, while Pedri and De Jong tried to mark the pace of the game. However, the defense showed certain weaknesses in the played balls stopped, as was evident in the Betis goal, and some individual errors, such as Araujo, proved to be costly. In the second half, Barcelona had several clear occasions, but the lack of precision in the auctions and the interventions of Adrian prevented them from taking the victory.
Real Betis:
Manuel Pellegrini opted for a very compact 4-2-3-1, with a solid defensive line and a counter-coup approach. The Betis showed a great tactical discipline, with 35% possession, but he knew how to take advantage of his key moments, especially when playing balls. Giovani Lo Celso was fundamental in the creation of a game, while Antony and Jesus Rodriguez contributed danger to the bands. Natan’s entry in the second time reinforced the defense, and the team maintained its structure even under pressure. Defensive solidity and effectiveness in Natan’s goal were key to adding a point in a complicated stadium.
MVP of the Party
Gavi (FC Barcelona):
Gavi was the most outstanding player of the meeting, marking the goal of Barcelona and showing an untiring intensity. His ability to press, recover balloons (4 recoverys) and generate danger in attack (1 goal, 2 key passes) made him MVP. Despite being replaced at the 70th minute, its impact on the party was remarkable.
goals and assistance
- 1-0 (min. 7): Gavi (FC Barcelona). Jules Koundé stole the ball in rival camp, Lamine Yamal attended Ferran Torres, who gave a precise pass to Gavi to define with a cross-cutting auction.
- 1-1 (min. 17): Natan (Real Betis). Giovani Lo Celso executed a perfect córner, and Natan stood in the area to fit the bottom of the network.
Scores of Players
FC Barcelona:
- Wojciech Szczesny: 6 – No fault in the goal, but showed insecurity in some centers.
- Jules Koundé: 7 – He stole the ball that he derived in the goal of Gavi, solid in defense.
- Ronald Araujo: 5 – He failed in the brand in the goal of Natan, leaving much to be desired.
- Pau Cubarsi: 6 – Right, but overtaken in the air game.
- Alejandro Balde: 6 – He contributed in attack, but was replaced by discomfort.
- Frenkie de Jong: 6 – He controlled the midfield, but lacked clarity in the last pass.
- Pedri: 6 – He tried to generate a game, but he was unpredictable.
- Lamine Yamal: 5 – Irregular Party, with bad decisions and little success.
- Gavi: 8 – MVP, goal and high intensity.
- Raphinha: 5 – Little impact, failed to overflow as usual.
- Robert Lewandowski: 6 – He failed a clear occasion, well marked by the rival defense.
- Substitutes:
- Fermin López: 5 – He entered without much impact.
- Gerard Martín: 5 – No clarity on the final stage.
Real Betis:
- Adrian: 7 – He made several key stops to keep the tie.
- Youssouf Sabaly: 6 – Right in defense, he controlled Raphinha.
- Marc Bartra: 6 – Solid until replacement.
- Diego Llorente: 7 – He won important duels, led the zaga.
- Ricardo Rodríguez: 6 – Well in defense, but was replaced by fatigue.
- Johnny Cardoso: 6 – He cut balls in the midfield, solid.
- Pablo Fornals: 6 – He worked hard, but without brightness in attack.
- Antony: 7 – He generated danger for the band, very active.
- Giovani Lo Celso: 7 – Goal support and great game vision.
- Jesús Rodríguez: 6 – He contributed overflowing, but without concrete.
- Cucho Hernández: 6 – He had a clear occasion, but he did not define.
- Substitutes:
- Natan: 7 – He scored the tie goal and reinforced the defense.
- Romain Perraud: 6 – He served in the final section.
Party Poles: Arbitrary and VAR Errors
The party was marked by several arbitral decisions that generated controversy:
- Penalti No Pitado al Barcelona (min. 55):
Lewandowski claimed a penalty after a contact with Diego Llorente in the area. The referee, Gil Manzano, dismissed the move, and the VAR did not intervene. The action was very tight, and many culés fans, according to X publications, considered it to be a clear lack. - Gol Anulado a Lamine Yamal (min. 60):
A goal of Lamine Yamal was cancelled out of play after a review of the VAR. The decision was very tight, and some analysts believe that the VAR did not have a clear line to determine Yamal’s position, which generated criticism of arbitration. - Lack of Criterion in the Cards:
Barcelona fans complained about Gil Manzano’s lack of consistency by showing cards. For example, a tough entry of Johnny Cardoso over Pedri was not sanctioned with yellow, while Gavi received a card for a less serious fault.
Statements by Players and Trainers
Hansi Flick (FC Barcelona):
The ball didn’t want to come in today. We created many opportunities, but we lacked the necessary precision. The Betis is a very well organized team, and it took us to overcome his defense. I’m frustrated because we could really have won, but we’re still leaders and we have to keep working. As for arbitration, Flick was cautious: “I don’t like to talk about the arbitrators, but I think there were decisions that didn’t benefit us.”
Manuel Pellegrini (Real Betis):
“We went to the leader’s camp and played with a lot of personality. I am really proud of my players for their solidarity in defense and their ability to take advantage of opportunities. This point gives us the confidence to continue fighting for European positions.” On the goal of Natan, Pellegrini commented: “We knew that we could do harm in the plays of a standing ball, and we did it.”
Gavi (FC Barcelona):
It’s a tie that leaves a bitter taste. The goal they made us could have been completely avoided. We had several opportunities, but we didn’t know how to use them. We must continue our efforts to improve our effectiveness. Gavi also expressed his frustration with arbitration: “Some decisions were hard to understand, but we cannot use that as an excuse.”
Pau Cubarsi (FC Barcelona):
“It’s frustrating because the ball didn’t want to come in. We had a lot of opportunities, but we didn’t. The Betis defended well, and we made a mistake that cost us the tie. “
Porta de los Diarios Deportivos
- Sport (Spain): “The Barça gets stuck! Push against the Betis that leaves LaLiga more alive than ever. “
- World of Sports (Spain): “Start with a taste of defeat: The Barça does not take advantage of the Madrid puncture.”
- Brand (Spain): “The Betis stops the Barça and keeps the excitement in LaLiga.”
- AS (Spain): “Natan silencia Montjuïc: The Barça empata and loses a golden opportunity.”
- L’Equipe (France): “Barcelone freiné par le Real Betis : La Liga reste ouverte.”
- The Guardian (United Kingdom): “Barcelona held by Real Betis as LaLiga title race tightens.”
- Olé (Argentina): “The Barça can’t with the Betis and LaLiga gets red alive.”
Extended Party Analysis and Impact in LaLiga
Performance of FC Barcelona:
Barcelona showed its classic domain in the possession of the ball and generated a good number of opportunities (15 shots, 5 by door), but its lack of aim was quite evident. Lewandowski, Yamal and Raphinha were not on their best day in front of the gate, and Fermin López and Gerard Martin’s substitutions failed to make the necessary change to tilt the party in their favor. In defense, the team had problems with the played balls stopped, and Araujo’s mistake in Natan’s goal prevented the defensive weaknesses that Flick needs to address. Despite the tie, Barcelona is still in front of LaLiga with 66 points, but its 4-point lead on Real Madrid and 3 on the Atlético de Madrid (which has a less match) maintains the struggle for the very exciting title.
Real Betis Performance:
The Real Betis, with its solid and disciplined approach, got a valuable point in a stadium where few teams have managed to add this season. His defensive strategy, led by Diego Llorente and Natan, succeeded in neutralizing the frontiers of Barcelona, while Lo Celso and Antony created danger in the key moments. The Betis proved a great cohesion as a team, and its impressive streak of 7 games without losing (6 wins and 1 draw) keeps them in the 5th position with 48 points, just 5 points from the Athletic Club (4th, with 53 points), which keeps them in the fight for a place in the Champions League.
Implications in LaLiga:
This tie keeps alive the struggle for LaLiga’s title. Barcelona, although it could not take advantage of the defeat of Real Madrid, remains in a solid position with 66 points. However, the pressure is increasing, as the Atlético de Madrid, with 63 points and one less match, and Real Madrid, with 62 points, are on the spot. Barcelona’s lack of contundency in key matches, like this, could be a decisive factor in the final straight of the season. For the Betis, this point represents both a moral and tactical impulse, reaffirming them as a competitive team that can fight for European positions. LaLiga remains one of the most exciting competitions in Europe, with the first three teams separated by only 4 points, and the fourth, the Athletic Club, 13 points from the leader, but still with options to fight for Europe.
Conclusion:
The tie between FC Barcelona and Real Betis left a bittersweet flavor for the culés fans, who hoped to take advantage of the trip of Real Madrid. Gavi shone like the best of the party, but the defense errors and the lack of precision in the attack cost them victory. On the other hand, the Betis showed great solidity and took a point that really deserved, which undoubtedly reinforces its confidence. In addition, arbitral decisions, such as the unmarked criminality of Lewandowski and the annulment of Yamal, added a touch of controversy to the meeting. LaLiga is still very alive, with Barcelona on the top, but Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid are ready to take advantage of any stumbling block.
