Barcelona’s Bid for a Six-Point Lead Foiled by Real Betis Stalemate

LaLiga leaders Barcelona had their impressive streak of nine consecutive league wins halted with a 1-1 draw at home against Real Betis, marking the first time since December 2021 that Los Verdiblancos managed to avoid defeat in an away match against the Catalan side.

Spurred on by Real Madrid’s unexpected loss to Valencia, Barcelona started the match at a brisk pace, taking the lead within the first seven minutes thanks to Gavi.

The former Betis academy player celebrated his goal modestly against his childhood club after executing a low shot into the bottom corner from a well-placed through ball by Ferran Torres.

Gavi’s first LaLiga goal since August 2023 gave the Blaugrana a brief advantage of just 10 minutes before Natan equalised with a powerful header from a corner taken by Giovani Lo Celso.

Natan’s debut goal in LaLiga did little to ease the pressure on Barcelona, with Torres narrowly missing a golden opportunity and Betis goalkeeper Adrian making a crucial stop to deny Lamine Yamal as the visitors defended resolutely.

The former Liverpool keeper was called into action again early in the second half, reacting swiftly to block a strike from Jules Kounde at his near post.

Gavi came close once more with a fierce shot that narrowly missed Adrian’s right post as Hansi Flick’s team pushed for a decisive second goal.

In an attempt to find a winner, the Barcelona manager made several substitutions during the second half, including bringing on Raphinha and Fermin Lopez.

The latter saw a late attempt saved by Adrian, shortly before Wojciech Szczesny was forced into a rare save to deflect Natan’s ambitious long-range attempt.

While there was no last-minute winner for Los Verdiblancos, they would have been content with a draw that extended their unbeaten streak in the league to seven matches.

With Betis rising to fifth in the standings, Barcelona’s failure to take all three points meant they only moved four points clear of Real Madrid, missing the opportunity to stretch their lead to six points while maintaining their unbeaten record in 2025.