Barcelona vs Real Betis LIVE - Lionel Messi scores twice but Barca slump to thrilling 4-3 defeat
Follow live coverage of the La Liga clash
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lionel Messi makes his first appearance for FC Barcelona since injuring his arm against Sevilla in October.
Barcelona are looking to extend their lead at the top of the table and can create a four point gap between them and Atletico Madrid with a win against Real Betis.
The Catalonian side were denied a slim victory against Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday when Malcom’s 83rd minute strike was levelled by Mauro Icardi four minutes later.
Follow live updates below:
When is it?
Barcelona vs Real Betis begins at 15:15 GMT at the Camp Nou
How to watch
Eleven Sports will be showing live coverage on Eleven Sports 1
Odds
Barcelona to win: 1/5
Real Betis to win: 12/1
Draw: 6/1
Prediction
Barcelona 2-0 Real Betis
12 minutes
First sign of Messi coming to life. He brilliantly skips past two challenges, but his goal-bound shot is blocked in the box.
15 minutes
Messi links up intricately with Suarez in the box, but Suarez is pushed out wide by the Betis defence. Incredibly, the referee doesn't give what was a clear corner.
GOAL! Barcelona 0-1 Real Betis, 20 minutes
Betis take a shock lead here, and what a brilliant goal by Junior Firpo!
The Spaniard gets behind the Barcelona defence on the left, and after beating Sergi Roberto with a few stepovers, he beats ter Stegen at his near post.
22 minutes
Betis are almost in again, as Firpo finds himself in plenty of space on the left, but this time his shot is blocked. Barcelona on the back foot here.
24 minutes
Yellow card for Betis midfielder Andres Guardado, who cynically brings down Messi.
25 minutes
From the resulting free-kick, Messi's cross finds Clement Lenglet whose improvised volley is well saved by Betis keeper Pau Lopez high to his right.
27 minutes
The stage is set for Messi with another free kick 30 yards out, but his shot deflects off the wall safely into Lopez's hands.
30 minutes
Betis have two great chances in the space of a minute!
First, ex-Barca player Christian Tello's shot is well saved by ter Stegen before Joaquin's finish goes just wide.
GOAL! Barcelona 0-2 Real Betis, 34 minutes
Betis have their second, and you have to say they deserve it!
It's Joaquin who this time finishes from 12 yards out after being found unmarked by Tello's cross.
Is an upset on the cards here at the Nou Camp?
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments