Betis snatch late draw against Barca

La Liga leaders Barcelona dropped two points in the title race as Real Betis twice came from behind to snatch a 2-2 draw in an entertaining battle on Saturday.

The Catalans moved five points clear of second-placed champions Real Madrid, who visit Girona later on Saturday and also have another game in hand.

Assane Diao levelled in the 94th minute to stun Barcelona, who opened the scoring after 39 minutes through Robert Lewandowski.

After Giovani Lo Celso levelled for the mid-table hosts from the penalty spot, substitute Ferran Torres struck what seemed the winner before Diao’s late intervention.

“We weren’t able to finish the game when we went ahead and defended the result,” Torres admitted to Movistar.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said his team had to improve on the road, where most of their setbacks have come this season.

“We have the quality to win every match but we also have to show that,” said Flick.

“(In) the away matches we have to be much stronger than we played here.”

Real Betis started strongly, with Raphinha forced to clear Diego Llorente’s header off his own goal-line.

Former Barcelona winger Ez Abde should have sent Betis ahead moments later when played through but Inaki Pena produced a fine save.

After Betis’ early attacking flurry, Barcelona began to take control of the game.

The electric Yamal fired off-target from Raphinha’s cross as both wingers threatened, with Betis sitting deep to try and protect themselves.

The Catalans found the breakthrough shortly before the break with a slick team move.

Pedri teed up Jules Kounde to slide across a low ball which Lewandowski stroked home from close range.

It was the 36-year-old striker’s 16th league goal of the campaign, leading the scoring charts in Spain.

(AFP)

ALSO READ FROM SPORTING TRIBUNE

Man City come back twice to draw at Crystal Palace