Barça 5–2 Betis: Five-star!

On the occasion of Gerard Piqué’s 500th game for the Blaugrana, Barça started on the front foot and kept the ball exclusively in Betis’ half for the opening minute of play. Closing down quickly, the hosts worked the first chance of the match through Rafinha.

Both Carlos Pérez and Antoine Griezmann were lively in the opening stages as Barça played some sparkling football that had the supporters at the Camp Nou off of their seats. Despite having all the play in the opening half hour, a smart finish by Nabil Fekir handed Betis the lead (0-1).

First for Griezmann

Although they were behind, Barça continued to take the game to their visitors, looking to work the ball into space at every opportunity. Marc-André ter Stegen went full-length to deny Fekir again from a free-kick, whilst Rafinha almost brought Barça level on 37.

Eventually the pressure told. Griezmann, on his official Camp Nou debut, scored his first official goal with a sumptuous volley to level the scores (1-1, min 41). Sensing the tide had turned, the hosts pushed for another and were inches away from leading at the break.

Stunning

Within five minutes of the second half, Griezmann turned the game on its head with a stunning finish, receiving the ball wide before bending the ball into the opposite corner. GOLAZO!! Not to be outdone, Carles Pérez slammed home Barça’s third before the hour, with his first official goal for the first team.

As the hosts continued to pour forward, Betis were put to the sword as Jordi Alba got in on the act with a slide rule finish (4-1, min 60). The football was scintillating at times, and vintage Barça.

History

Captain for the evening, Sergio Busquets, had to be replaced with just over a quarter hour to play, Arturo Vidal taking his place. The Chilean wasted no time making his mark, scoring the fifth with a rising shot into the top corner.

Ansu Fati made history when he came on with 13 to play, becoming Barça’s second youngest ever debutant in the league. His fierce drive fizzed just past the upright as he sought to make it a real night to remember.

Junior came on against his old team late in the game, with Greizmann still looking to add to his brace before the official blew for the final whistle.