Real Betis welcomed Barcelona at Benito Villamarin Stadium and, in front of their fans, ended up losing by 2-3 after a comeback. The clash closed the matchday 23 of Spanish La Liga.

The game started exciting and both teams were searching for the goal. And it was the home side who was able to break the deadlock. At the 6th minute, they were awarded a penalty, after a brief VAR check, for a handball from Clement Lenglet. Midfielder Sergio Canales stepped up and converted from the spot, sending goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen the wrong way.

The happiness didn’t last long though. 3 minutes later, Barcelona was able to equalize it. After Lionel Messi’s assist, Dutchman Frenkie De Jong controlled the ball on his chest and dispatched a half-volley effort through keeper Joel Robles.

At the 26th minute, the hosts restore the lead with Nabil Fekir’s goal. The Frenchman appeared into the box and drilled a left-footed strike across Ter Stegen into the bottom-right corner.

But the match was quite even and, still in the first half, Barca got the equalizer once again. At 45+3, Messi clipped a free-kick into the box and Sergio Busquets was there to control the ball and dispatch an effort on his left past Robles.

There was a lot of complaints from Betis’ players, once Marc Bartra was slightly pushed when he jumped to try to clear the ball. However, the referee maintained the goal.

In the second half, the game changed a little. Both teams were committing a lot of fouls, which explains why each side ended up with 10 players after Lenglet and Fekir saw their second yellow on the match.

However, 7 minutes before being sent off, Lenglet helped his team to get the victory. Messi clipped his cross into a dangerous position and the number 15 got the better in the air to head home.

Despite the victory, Quique Setien’s men failed to reach the top of the table, given that his rival Real Madrid also won and remained at the top spot. However, they were able to maintain the difference to just 3 points. Betis, on the other hand, dropped to 13th place, with 28 points.

Both teams come back to the pitch on matchday 24 where, on Saturday, Barca will welcome Getafe and, on Sunday, Real Betis will travel to face Leganes.