Football News

Sunday 15 January 2012

Barcelona 4-2 Betis


Barcelona 4-2 Betis: Alexis and Messi clinch vital win for champions after visitors had fought back from two goals down

The Andalusian side outplayed their opponents for spells but will rue missed chances along with a second half red card which allowed the hosts to earn the victory


Player Ratings: Barcelona 4-2 Betis


Víctor Valdés
43
47
5.5
Not the way he would have wanted to spend his 30th birthday as he sought a new clean sheet record. But he couldn't have done anything about either of the goals and produced a decent save early on as well.
Carles Puyol
52
26
5.5
Given too much work in a three-man back line and it showed today. Flanked by just two defensive team-mates he is stretched in terms of pace and Betis were given too much room at times. Also booked for handball.
Éric Abidal
35
33
5.0
Another who is given too many responsibilities when he is in a three-man back line. Looked less assured than he usually does and was unable to influence the game going forward. Caught out of position on occasions, despite his pace.
Cesc Fàbregas
39
29
5.5
It was his mis-hit shot which inadvertently set up Xavi for the opening goal, but the former Arsenal midfielder was less impressive than he has been in recent weeks. Saw one effort deflected wide in the second half, but was less of a threat than he has been lately.
Xavi
57
23
6.5
Showed off his Bronze Ball before kick-off and got off to a bright start with the opening goal, but he faded after that and was unable to exert his usual influence in this match. Got an assist for Alexis' goal, but that was more about the Chilean's finish.
Andrés Iniesta Luján
75
20
7.0
Always positive and always looking to offer something different, Iniesta set up Alexis in the build-up to the second and had one excellent run shortly afterwards. Also should have had a penalty in the second half.
Javier Mascherano
40
27
6.0
Has looked adept in a three-man back line but less so tonight as Barca gave the ball away too much in midfield. Caught out in terms of pace and positioning as Barca looked rattled, but also made several important interceptions at the back.
Sergio Busquets Burgos
39
30
5.0
Not at his best on his 100th league appearance for the Catalan club. Gave away possession on several occasions and offered little going forward as well. Not a night to remember for the midfielder - apart from his milestone.
Alexis Sánchez
Top of the Match
148
18
7.5
A very positive performance from the Chilean, who is gradually starting to look like a great signing for Barcelona. Provided the assist for Messi's goal and was a constant threat. Also scored a fine third goal when Barca were in need of inspiration at 2-2.
Lionel Messi
113
59
7.5
Not his best game, but he still scored twice. Clinically latched onto Alexis' pass to beat Casto for the first and added the second from the spot late on. Also had two or three trademark bursts through the visitors' defence after showing off his Ballon d'Or before kick-off.
Joan Isaac Cuenca Lopez
41
23
5.0
Has been brilliant since breaking into the first team earlier this season but this was not his best night as most of Barca's attacks took place on the other side of the pitch. Unable to really break away and was replaced by Alves at the break.
• Substitutions
Daniel Alves
57
16
6.0
Came on at half-time and slotted back in after a slow start. Less spectacular going forward than he can be, but he gave Barca more balance after replacing Cuenca.
Adriano
33
15
5.0
Came on for the last two minutes to allow Iniesta a nice send-off from the Catalan fans.
Thiago Alcántara
39
15
5.0
Replaced Cesc late on and had little opportunity to influence the game.
Casto
10
7
5.5
Forced to pick the ball out of his net four times but also did well to stop goalbound efforts from both Messi and Alves.
Isidoro
8
4
5.0
Struggled to cope with the threat of both Iniesta and Alexis, two of Barca's best players on the night. Was given insufficient help from his midfield, however, and can't be blamed for failing to stop the Chilean in the second goal.
Mario
Flop of the Match
12
14
4.0
Left his side with 10 men when they needed to defend a point. Needlessly booked twice after his side had come from 2-0 down and they were unable to hold on with a man down, as you would expect. His dismissal was the end for Betis.
Dorado
7
4
5.0
Made one vital block to deny Messi but was otherwise caused plenty of problems and his handball saw the Andalusians concede a late penalty - which Messi scored.
Nacho
8
4
6.0
Made one saving tackle from Messi and coped well with the threat of Cuenca, Most of Barca's best attacks came from the other flank, so he wasn't really to blame for his side's downfall.
Salva Sevilla
8
4
6.0
Back in the side after injury and showed Betis what they had missed as he set up Ruben Castro for their first goal. Faded in the second period and was replaced by Matilla after 57 minutes, but showed plenty of quality.
Iriney
8
5
4.5
Replaced at the interval following a sub-standard showing in the first period, when he was completely anonymous in the centre of the park.
Jefferson Antonio Montero
13
3
6.0
The winger is an exciting prospect going forward and his exceptional pace caused Barca problems, but he tripped Iniesta and was lucky not to concede a penalty in the second half.
José Cañas
8
4
5.0
Lively on the wing but offered insufficient protection to Isidoro in defence as the full-back struggled with Iniesta and Alexis.
Jorge Molina
7
5
5.0
Had his moments in attack for Betis but was largely isolated up front and was replaced late in the game, having made little impact.
Rubén Castro
8
5
6.0
Was a decent outlet on the wing, even though he was isolated for long periods. Hauled Betis back into the game with his side's first, ending all hopes of a new clean sheet record for the Catalan club. Didn't see enough of the ball, though.
• Substitutions
Ustaritz
6
6
5.0
Came on late on to tighten up defensively but wasn't able to cope as Barca claimed victory late on.
Matilla
7
4
5.0
Came on as a substitute late on but was unable to have a real infuence on the game.
Roque Santa Cruz
28
3
7.0
Came on a sub and scored a wonderful equaliser, but was provided with little service after that.

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