Five things we learned from Betis v Barça
A win and Champions League classification to boot. Two key targets for Barça fulfilled with the victory at the Benito Villamarín stadium (1-2). There was more to the game though, so let's take a closer look at the names and stats that most caught the eye.
1 - Jordi Alba, a goal and an assist
Barça's number 18 was one of the key men, scoring and assisting a goal. The pass for Ansu Fati to score was the Catalan's tenth assist this season, adding to his tally and list of highlights during his career. He is the Barça defender with the highest assist tally over a single season since 2011/12, when Dani Alves assisted 11 goals. A landmark that is definitely within reach before the league season ends.
Jordi Alba is also ranked third for goal involvements for defenders in the major five European leagues across all competitions during the 2021/22 season. His 15 goal involvements include three goals and 12 assists.
2 - Ansu Fati, goalscoring ability
Ansu Fati is becoming a synonym for goal. It only took him one minute and fifteen seconds to show his magic. Another goal for Barça means he is ranked third in LaLiga for best minutes per goal ratio (60.7) during this 2021/22 season, only behind Benzema in second and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in first (99).
3 - Neto back in goal after 122 days
Ter Stegen's absence saw Neto back in the Barça goal - the Brazilian's first game since January 5. He didn't look rusty at all, however, making four key interventions against Betis.
4 - Most points from the return set of fixtures
Barça and Real Madrid are tied for the most points earned from the return set of fixtures in LaLiga. Xavi's side have earned 38 points from 12 wins and two draws. Only two losses, against Cádiz and Rayo Vallecano, prevented Barça from an even better record.
5 - Away game winning run continues
Barça have now won the last six away league games. Since the 2-2 draw in the RCDE Stadium, there have been wins away to Valencia, Elche, Real Madrid, Levante, Real Sociedad, and Betis. It goes without saying that this winning run has been key to ensure qualification for next season's Champions League.
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