BEVERLY HILLS, November 07, (THEWILL) – Lionel Messi netted a brace and played a key part in another goal in Barcelona’s 5-2 La Liga win over 10-man Real Betis after being left out of Ronald Koeman’s starting line-up for the first time.
Alfred Schreuder, Barca assistant manager, explained the benching of Messi, who has struggled for form this season, down to a lack of fitness as he started a league game as a substitute for the first time since September 2019.
The mercurial forward was introduced after the break with the game tentatively poised at 1-1 after French winger Ousmane Dembele’s strike was cancelled out by Barca academy product for Betis Paraguayan Antonio Sanabria, either side of Barca’s forward Antoine Griezmann penalty miss.
Messi paved the way for Griezmann to finally score in the second half. He then scored a penalty of his after Algerian centre back Aissa Mandi was dismissed for handling the ball on the line. The Argentine maestro doubled his tally late on to kill off Betis after Loren Moron’s goal for Betis in the 73rd minute.
Pedri then capped a much-improved display for Koemen’s side with a fifth goal late on as they secured a first league win in five games on Saturday.
The Blaugrana have had their worst start to a league season after six games in the three-points-per-win era. But, they go into the international break in a form that will ease the pressure on the team and manager as they crawl back to the table.
When they return, a trip to the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano for a league tie against Atletico Madrid awaits while Betis will face off against Athletic Club away from home.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
