Barcelona flaws in full display against Real Betis

Barcelona plunged further away from the Champions League places following a 1-0 loss at home against Real Betis.

It was the first loss for the Catalans under new manager Xavi Hernandez. While the new coach has managed to improve the side from what they were under Ronald Koeman, there is plenty of work left to do.

Many of the familiar ills that plagued Barcelona under the Dutchman are still too apparent and it cost them against Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

Barcelona struggling to score goals without a proven goalscorer

The final numbers don’t shine too bad a light on the Catalan side. They finished with higher possession, had more shots and shots on target. Yet, on the balance of things, Betis looked the more dangerous side.

Barcelona had one more shot on target than Betis but it was a costly mistake at the back during a counter that once again proved their downfall. Frenkie de Jong, Gerard Pique and Sergiño Dest were unable to stop the Betis counter which ended with Juanmi all alone, slotting his shot past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

"“When we were at our best, the goal came on the counter,” said Xavi.“You have to be more tactical. They shouldn’t catch you [off guard] on the counter.”We knew about their transitions. We had a few good minutes. It is too harsh a punishment for the game we have played. It is a defeat that hurts. At home. We were in good form, but that’s how football is.”Source: Marca"

The final stats may paint a rosier picture but it does not change the fact that Barcelona simply cannot find a way to score. It matters little if they were the better team as it was not reflected in the scoreboard.

Memphis Depay had another off night, which has now become a pattern and a concern. Philippe Coutinho had a good 15 minutes, which included a shot on goal, but his flame quickly dimmed and he was replaced in the second half.

Without someone finishing off goal-scoring opportunities, Barcelona are going to struggle to finish anywhere near the top four. At this point, despite some of Xavi’s words, they have to forget about fighting for La Liga. That hunt is over. Their focus should shift to making the Champions League next season.

The absences of Ansu Fati, Sergio Agüero and Martin Braithwaite play a part in the team’s lack of goals but with the departure of Lionel Messi, someone needed to step up and, so far, no one has.

Ferran Torres has been linked with Barcelona and a deal with Manchester City could be reached by the time the winter transfer window opens. But he doesn’t solve their striker problem as he isn’t one.

If there is a bright spot, it’s that Ousmane Dembélé was up for it when he entered the game and was Barcelona’s best, and most dangerous player, in the second half. But he is unreliable given his injury history.

Barcelona currently sit seventh in the table. To make matters worse, they take on Bayern Munich midweek and need a result to make it through to the next round of the Champions League. The German side already won their first encounter 3-0 at the Camp Nou.

Times are tough for Barcelona and only look to get tougher. They need to reinforce come January, assuming they have money to spend. The worst-case scenario of their season being over before the new year, without quality up top, is looking more and more like reality.