Barcelona continued their perfect start to the LaLiga campaign with a thrilling 5-2 win over Real Betis, extending their winning streak to nine league matches. Lamine Yamal starred with an outstanding performance, while Dani Olmo came off the bench to complete the scoring in an entertaining contest.
Hansi Flick’s side showed their attacking quality throughout the match, overcoming a determined Betis team before taking control after the hosts were reduced to 10 men.
Yamal Leads Barcelona’s First-Half Charge
Barcelona started aggressively, and Yamal opened the scoring with a superb individual effort. The winger created space with quick footwork before curling an accurate shot into the top-right corner, giving the visitors an early advantage.
However, Betis responded with their first attempt on target. Pablo Fornals delivered a dangerous cross from a recycled corner, allowing Valentin Gomez to rise above the Barcelona defence and head home the equaliser.
Joan Garcia then produced an important save to deny Hector Bellerin, who had arrived at the far post with an opportunity to put Betis ahead.
Barcelona made the most of that reprieve just a minute later. Fermin Lopez delivered a corner into the penalty area, and Rodri climbed highest to head the visitors back in front.
Betis thought they had equalised again when Giovani Lo Celso struck a bouncing ball into the top corner with a spectacular volley. However, VAR ruled out the goal after determining that Cucho Hernandez had handled the ball during the build-up.
Gabriel Jesus Scores as Betis Lose Control
Barcelona continued to threaten after the interval, with Fermin forcing an impressive save from Alvaro Valles early in the second half.
Gabriel Jesus appeared to have equalised for Betis when he volleyed into the net, but the offside flag denied the hosts. Barcelona quickly turned the situation to their advantage, scoring less than 30 seconds later.
Yamal showed excellent awareness to square the ball for Jesus, who finished into an empty net to give Barcelona a two-goal cushion.
Betis refused to surrender immediately, with Abde Ezzalzouli reducing the deficit just two minutes later to make it 3-2.
The contest then took another dramatic turn following a mass confrontation between the players. Facundo Bernal was sent off for a headbutt on Yamal, leaving Betis with 10 men for the final 35 minutes.
The dismissal proved costly as Barcelona began to exploit their numerical advantage.
Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo Seal the Victory
Barcelona restored their two-goal lead in the 63rd minute. Pau Cubarsi knocked the ball into a dangerous area, allowing Eric Garcia to react quickly and stab home from close range.
With his team firmly in control, Flick took the opportunity to withdraw some key players with upcoming fixtures against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League and Real Madrid in El Clasico in mind.
The changes did little to reduce Barcelona’s attacking threat. Dani Olmo added a fifth goal in the final 10 minutes, completing an emphatic victory for the Catalan side.
The Barcelona 5-2 win over Real Betis also saw the club equal a record by scoring at least three goals in nine consecutive matches.
Yamal’s contribution earned him the Man of the Match award after he opened the scoring and supplied the assist for Jesus’ goal.
Barcelona will take confidence from another convincing attacking display as they prepare for two significant challenges against PSG and Real Madrid.