Three talking points from Barcelona’s win over Real Betis

Barcelona continued their impressive string of results with a 2-1 over Real Betis at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.

Goals by Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski sealed the deal for the visiting side, who scored all three goals in the match as Jules Kounde scored an own goal for Betis’ only tally on the night.

Generally, it was a good performance from Barcelona, which extended their lead — pending Real Madrid’s result against Valencia — but some well-known issues were once again on display.

With that being said, here are three talking points from the match.

Lewandowski and Raphinha back on the scoresheet

With the long-term absence of Ousmane Dembélé, Raphinha is going to get the most opportunities to prove to Xavi Hernandez that he can count on him during the Frenchman’s time out.

The Brazilian had a rough start to the game as he kept losing the ball and his crosses all seemed to deflect off the Real Betis’ defenders. But Raphinha never seemed to put his head down and ended up scoring the opening goal.

“The sensations are good,” Raphinha said. “We are working really hard and the results and points are a result of that. We knew this would be a difficult game. Betis are really good. We knew we had to take our chances so that we didn’t suffer late on.”

Lewandowski made sure Barcelona took their chances as he scored their second following a Ronald Araújo header off a corner. He did well enough to control the ball and while not the cleanest finish, it was more than enough to get past the Betis’ keeper.

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It was Lewandowski’s first goal in his first game back from suspension. Up until that point, he tried to be involved in the attack but was somewhat ineffective. But the former Bayern Munich striker only needs half a chance to make his mark.

Alejandro Balde further solidifying himself as an undisputed starter

Alejandro Balde saw his playing time since returning from the World Cup somewhat diminish. That was to be expected given he did feature in a couple of games and because Jordi Alba was on a good run of form.

He was given the start in the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid and has never looked back.

Against Real Betis, it was his run and subsequent cross that led to Raphinha’s goal. Everyone is well aware of his pace but it’s knowing when to use it that has impressed. Balde knows when to use it to his advantage and showed it on that goal. It also allows him to track back and snuff out any potential counter-attack threat.

“He’s playing at a very high level, his potential is tremendous, in defense and attack,” Xavi said. “He helps us dribble and we want him to continue like this. He’s a full-back and a winger at many moments.”

If there were any questions as to who was going to be Alba’s immediate successor, that question has been answered.

The switch to four midfielders is the move going forward for Barcelona

Xavi seems to have found his Gala XI in big matches and it’s a deviation from the customary 4-3-3. As he did against Real Madrid and Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal, he went with more of a 4-4-2 but with Gavi on the left side when attacking.

He did so again against Betis and the extra man in midfield has helped the team look more balanced if not as prolific as Xavi may want.

The players who seem to have benefitted the most from this switch are Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquets.

De Jong has had arguably his best season since arriving from Ajax and has become indispensable for Xavi. He’s able to orchestrate the attacks but has the mobility to help as well defensively. It’s that range that’s breathed new life in Busquets.

Whereas the fear used to be that anyone with pace was going to get by Busquets, with De Jong as cover, the veteran midfielder has pulled back the years and looks like the player we see when with the Spanish national team. With the change in system, he’s no longer the defensive liability he used to be.

The only drawback is it does mean the likes of Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres aren’t going to play as much, at least not starting, in the higher profile matches. As it stands, however, it’s paying dividends for the club.

With the Copa del Rey matches against Real Madrid and the Europe League against Manchester United, this formation is the one Xavi is going to use. As the old saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”