Barcelona's top scorer was a virtual bystander while the midfielder pulled the strings, but it wasn't enough against a dogged Betis side
Barcelona missed the chance to go six points clear of second-placed Real Madrid after a 1-1 draw with a battling Real Betis side in La Liga. After Real's shock loss to Valencia earlier on Saturday, the Blaugrana had the opportunity to take a huge stride towards the league title, but they passed it up.
Barca seemed intent to take full advantage as Pedri tested the hands of goalkeeper Adrian early on. The hosts, who rested captain Raphinha initially, then took the lead in the seventh minute when Ferran Torres' beautiful first-time assist was tucked home by Gavi.
But Betis were not going down without a fight and equalised 10 minutes later when Natan powered in Giovani Lo Celso's corner. Ferran Torres perhaps should have restored the Blaugrana's advantage but he could only arrow Alejandro Balde's incisive cutback wide.
Betis were keeping the home team at bay with some last-ditch defending, while still providing a threat on the counter-attack – particularly through Manchester United loanee Antony.
Jules Kounde was brilliantly denied by Adriano's quick reflexes shortly after half-time and then Gavi's fierce strike deflected into the side netting as Barca pushed for their second.
The Catalan outfit, who may have had an eye on their midweek Champions League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund, were grateful for Wojciech Szczesny late on as Betis claimed a deserved point. In the end, Barcelona had to settle for a four-point lead over bitter rivals Madrid with eight games to go.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Wojciech Szczesny (6/10):
Maybe could have done a bit better for Betis' equaliser as he was beaten for pace by the header. But made an important stop late on.
Jules Kounde (6/10):
Some of his decision making was a bit questionable but was competent enough on the night.
Pau Cubarsi (7/10):
Struggled at times with the pacy Antony but largely dealt with most of what came his way.
Ronald Araujo (6/10):
Was beaten in the air for Betis' goal but other than that was fairly composed at the back.
Alejandro Balde (7/10):
Created a number of good chances and looked a quality performer in attack and defence.
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Pedri (6/10):
Was not quite as on-song as he has been for much of the season but didn't stop running all game.
Frenkie de Jong (7/10):
Didn't seem to put a foot wrong and did his defensive duties, in particular, well. But was, perhaps, harshly withdrawn before the hour mark.
Gavi (8/10):
Scored his first goal of the season with a composed finish and was busy all night with an enterprising display.
AFPAttack
Lamine Yamal (6/10):
Showed flashes of brilliance but the 17-year-old was a bit more inconsistent than we have become accustomed to.
Robert Lewandowski (5/10):
The arch poacher had precious few chances and was at times a passenger against Betis.
Ferran Torres (5/10):
Has been in a rich vein of form but missed a big chance and did not offer a great deal on the left.
AFPSubs & Manager
Raphinha (7/10):
Added an extra level of threat with his crosses and set pieces.
Eric Garcia (5/10):
Maybe his most telling contribution off the bench was when he picked up a booking for a late challenge.
Fermin Lopez (7/10):
Was a real livewire off the bench.
Gerard Martin (N/A):
Had too little time to make an impact.
Hansi Flick (6/10):
Decided to rest Raphinha after a busy run of games and it seemed they missed the captain for the first 50 minutes or so of the contest. His team created enough chances to win the game but there wasn't quite enough quality and energy to get the win.
