La Liga front-runners Barcelona dropped two points in the championship chase as Real Betis twice rallied to secure a 2-2 draw in a thrilling contest on Saturday. The Catalans advanced five points ahead of second-placed holders Real Madrid, who were visiting Girona late yesterday and also possess an additional match in hand.
Assane Diao equalised in the 94th minute to shock Barcelona, who opened the scoring after 39 minutes via Robert Lewandowski. After Giovani Lo Celso equalised for the mid-table hosts with a penalty, replacement Ferran Torres delivered what appeared to be the decider before Diao’s late contribution.
Barca achieved the breakthrough shortly before halftime with a smooth team play. Pedri set up Jules Kounde to whip across a grounded pass which Lewandowski slotted home from close range. It was the 36-year-old forward’s 16th league goal of the season, topping the scoring lists in Spain. Betis launched the second period in the same way as they commenced the first and came inches from a leveller when Sergi Altimira’s header zipped past Pena but also the far upright.
Barcelona shot-stopper Pena executed a superb save to deny Chimy Avila as Manuel Pellegrini’s squad retained control and eventually tied with a penalty.
Frenkie de Jong trod on the heel of Vitor Roque, loaned to Betis by Barca, and following a VAR inspection, the referee granted the hosts a spot kick and dismissed Flick for his dissent. Lo Celso converted his penalty to establish a gripping conclusion as both teams aimed to claim three points.
Barcelona’s apparent winner came when 17-year-old prodigy Yamal sent a cross for Torres to finish, though the effort was initially ruled offside. Nonetheless, a VAR review indicated Aitor Ruibal was late to advance and had played the Spain international Torres onside for his second goal in two matches. Barcelona believed they had secured triumph, but deep into added time Diao, left unguarded by Inigo Martinez, finished from Ruibal’s cross as the defender atoned for his earlier misstep.
