The atmosphere in Seville during the last 30 minutes of the match between Barcelona and Real Betis looked like on the verge of civil war. The stands of the Benito Villamarin stadium were shaking, the angry home crowd created real ‘hell’ for the referee and the guests. But it didn’t work…Barcelona ‘sold the trick’ to Betis, took a quick free kick without waiting for the referee’s permission and from that action scored the goal that brought them victory in Seville. Alejandro Balde sent a pass to the second post, and Raphinha put the ball into the net from one meter. After that, the second goal was very close, so Robert Lewandowski sealed the triumph ten minutes before the end – 2:1.50 – Barcelona have won 50 points after 19 games in LaLiga 22/23 (W16 D2 L1). In 4 of the 5 seasons Barcelona have won as many points at this stage of the competition they have gone on to win the title (08/09, 10/11, 12/13 and 17/18), failing to do so only in 13/14. Dream. pic.twitter.com/nxkVHnBCzP— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 1, 2023 Until then, a relatively calm, but maximally combative game, turned into a whirlwind of emotions, into a general rush on the field, while the indignant audience from the stands provided the rhythm. The players didn’t like the situation from which they conceded the goal, especially the Betis fans, however, the protests were in vain. After that, every decision of the referee that went in favor of Barcelona, whether it was correct or not, caused a barrage of insults and protests in the audience, while the green and white players on the field were also furious.Betis played hand-to-hand from the start of the game, did not retreat and gave Barcelona space and all the time in the world to “roll” the ball around the penalty area. The statistics after the first 45 minutes showed that the visitors from Catalonia had only one shot on goal more than the green and whites.But Barcelona had a colossal chance, which Pedri missed. Fortunately, the ball bounced off him, however, he was completely alone in front of goalkeeper Silva, he could choose where to shoot, and he hit him in the leg. There were chances on both sides, Lewandowski headed wide, Luis Enrique’s shot was blocked by the Barca defense and Raphinha’s goal was disallowed for offside…Betis had a colossal chance to equalize in the 71st minute, but the home team got tangled up in Barca’s penalty area, as they combined to see who had the best position to shoot.It was not evening for Lewandowski until the 80th minute, and then the mastery of the Polish goalscorer came to the fore. He “stole” a deflection in the penalty area after a corner and packed it into the net. Well, then the audience in Seville fell silent…And just when it seemed that that was it, that the crowd had fallen silent, Kounde scored an own goal in the 85th minute and the fire on the field and in the stands flared up again. The last minutes were spent at Barca’s half, but the Catalans are going home with three points after all.LA LIGAWednesday Betis – Barcelona 1-2 (0-0)/Kounde 85(og) – Raphinha 65, Lewandowski 80/Thursday 23.00: (1.42) Real Madrid (4.80) Valencia (8.50)Friday 23.00: (1.45) Ath.Bilbao (4.40) Cadiz (9.00)Saturday 16.00: (2.45) Espanyol (2.95) Osasuna (3.30)18.15: (4.90) Elche (3.60) Villareal (1.75)20.30: (1.45) Atl.Madrid (4.20) Getafe (10.0)***odds are subject to change*
