Barcelona extended their lead at the top of La Liga to four points despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Real Betis at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Hansi Flick’s side started brightly, with Gavi opening the scoring in the 7th minute after a slick one-touch move involving Ferran Torres. The 20-year-old midfielder tucked away his third goal of the season with a composed finish from a tight angle.
However, Barcelona’s lead lasted just 10 minutes. Real Betis responded quickly, as Brazilian defender Natan powered home a header from Giovani Lo Celso’s corner to level the score at 1-1.
Despite dominating possession and chances, the hosts couldn’t find a breakthrough. Jules Kounde came closest to restoring the lead in the second half, but his close-range shot on his weaker foot was well saved by goalkeeper Adrian.
The result ended Barca’s seven-match winning streak across all competitions and also brought Betis’ own four-game winning run to a halt. Forwards Cucho Hernandez and Antony, on loan from Manchester United, were kept quiet by a solid Barcelona backline.
Real Madrid’s shock 2-1 defeat to Valencia earlier in the day — their first loss to Los Ches since 2008 — gave Barcelona the opportunity to stretch their lead at the summit. While they couldn’t take full advantage, the point still pushes them four clear with just weeks remaining in the title race.
Barcelona will now shift focus to the Champions League, where they host Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.
