Barcelona put five past Real Betis

The Villarreal match aside, it had been a struggle for Barcelona scoring wise so far this season.

Against Real Betis, not so much.

The Catalan side put five past Betis with all three of Barcelona’s starting forwards getting in on the action.

Xavi Hernandez reverted back to the 4-3-3 with Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo starting, the former in attack and the latter as the right-back. Despite maintaining the possession early on, it was the visitors who had the better efforts at goal.

But it was the two Joaos who combined to open the score.

Cancelo won a ball in the Betis half and laid it off to Oriel Romeu. Romeu then lobbed it to Felix who initially mishit his effort. But the ball didn’t stray too far and he got past the keeper before slotting home from a tight angle.

Felix was involved in the second goal in the 31st minute. Andreas Christensen passed the ball to the Portuguese forward only for Felix to dummy it to Robert Lewandowski who did not miss. Just like that it was 2-0 to Barcelona.

Perhaps the pivotal point of the game was Marc-Andre ter Stegen coming up big and blocking a Betis effort that would have cut the Blaugrana lead in half right before halftime. Instead of 2-1, Barcelona went into the half up by two.

Ferran Torres would put the game away, and break a ‘curse’ in the process.

Barcelona had a free kick in the 62nd minute. The last time they scored from a free kick was two years ago and, of course, it was scored by Lionel Messi. Torres’ shot curled away from the wall and curved back near the far post, leaving the keeper with no chance of stopping it.

Torres was then subbed out for Raphinha.

The Brazilian wouldn’t take long to make his presence felt as he got in on the action with a long-range effort. A much needed tally for Raphinha who has seen the emergence of Lamine Yamal and the newfound confidence of Torres cut into his playing time.

The cherry on top of the Barça cake came through Cancelo who left Juan Miranda twisting and turning before scoring the ‘manita’ for the home side.

Barcelona won and they did so playing well in the process.

The all-around performance was something Barcelona needed as their style had been questioned despite the wins. Perhaps not a coincidence that they did so playing a 4-3-3 instead of utilizing an extra midfielder.

The performances from Cancelo and Felix are sure to make both Xavi and the supporters happy. With all due respect, having Cancelo play as the right-back is a massive upgrade from Sergi Roberto. Felix provides another difference-maker on the left side of attack and he is someone who can link up well with Lewandowski.

It’s early, but it’s the best game Barcelona have played so far.

The team’s European test begins on Tuesday as they host Royal Antwerp in the first group-stage match of the Champions League. This year’s UCL is a tournament in which Barcelona need to do well as they’ve been knocked out in the group stage the past two seasons.