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After the departure of Neymar, it was Barca's first league match today and marked the beginning of a new era in club's history. The match started with a gloomy atmosphere following the tragic terror attacks in Barcelona.
Barcelona started the match on front foot as they looked forward to win the game. Though Betis were defensively sound, the score line does look a bit flattering for them. Barça took the lead with an own goal by Alin Tosca in 36th minute of the game. The Blaugranas then doubled their lead three minutes later via a Sergi Roberto goal.
Second half too, just like the first half, saw FC Barcelona dominate possession and create a few chances but Betis somehow hung on with the help of their defence and the goalpost. In a match where Leo Messi hit the post thrice and Javier Mascherano pulled out an elite, world-class tackle, let's take a look at how the players fared for their respective teams
FC Barcelona
Ter Stegen: 6 /10
This was probably his easiest outing in a Barcelona shirt. He was not tested the entire match as Betis failed to register a single shot on target. His distribution, though, was good.
Semedo: 8/10
Making his La Liga debut today, the portugese gave an impressive performance. He was solid at the back and surprisingly good in attack. His performannce today must have brought fond memories of Dani Alves amongst the Barça faithfuls.
Mascherano: 8 /10
Amazing performance from the veteran who was written off prior to the commencement of 2017-18 season. It was his sensational, last ditch tackle that stopped the team from losing their lead. He was solid and impervious throughout the match.
Umtiti: 7/10
Barcelona faithfuls love him for his solid performances and coolness under the pressure. He responded with just the kind of performance the Camp Nou crowd expect from him. His balls over the Betis defense line were quite impressive and important in Barca's buildup play.
Alba: 7.5/10
Alba has been a consistent performer for the blaugranes and tonight was no different. Always full of energy, he buzzed up and down the left flank, defending doggedly and was always open for a pass out wide. However, he was overshadowed by the performance of his teammate on the other side of the field.
Busquets: 7/10
Another typical Busquets performance. He shielded the back four, broke up plays and acted like a deep-lying playmaker. However, he was seen up the field quite often which is surprising and refreshing.
Roberto: 7.5/10
Amazing performance in the midfield by the La Masia graduate. Deployed in his favoured midfield position, Roberto contributed in attack as well as in defence. He has staked his claim for a starting midfield spot.
Rakitic: 6/10
Rakitic worked tirelessly throughout the game. He attacked, though with limited creativity and then tracked back enthusiastically for the entire 90 minutes. An experienced campaigner but non-chalant performances like the one today may not be enough for a starting spot at FC Barcelona.
Deulofeu: 7.5 /10
Deulofeu was a different player today as compared to El Classico. He first forced an own goal as his amazing cross was turned in by Tosca. He then setup Sergi Roberto for Barcelona's second goal. He was quite influential today for Barça.
Alcacer: 5/10
Deployed at an unfamiliar position out left, the young striker looked out of sorts and just could not get into the game. Always on a different frequency as compared to his teammates, he neither saw the ball much nor did he get into interesting scoring positions. He worked tirelessly though and helped out Alba in defence.
Messi: 8/10
La Pulga ran riots around the Betis defence and was involved in almost every decent attack mounted by Barcelona. However, he will count himself unlucky today to have hit the post thrice. On any other day, he could have had a hattrick but not today.
Substitutes
Vidal: 6/10
Brought on for Deulofeu, Vidal fared decently compared to the youngster. He did miss a 1 on 1 late in the game.
Denis Suarez: N/A
Late substitute for Paco Alcacer.
Digne: N/A
Late substitute for Alba.
Real Betis
Adan: 7/10
It was a decent outing for the La Fabrica graduate. Though beaten on multiple occasions by Messi only to be saved by the post, he could have done little for the goals scored by Barça. He did well though late in the game, one-on-one against Aleix Vidal.
Barragan: 6.5/10
The Spanish full back couldn't have dreamed of a much easier night against the might blaugranes. Pitted against an ineffective Alcacer, there was little he had to do defensively. However, with all the freedom that he got to attack, he ended up underwhelming.
Mandi: 7/10
He, alongside his central defending partner, was imperious for most part of the game. He sniffed out attack after attack to keep the scoreline respectable. Great game for the Algerian centre half.
Feddal: 6/10
He was solid for most part of the game and did not allow Barcelona to run away with the match from the start. However, he turned over possession just outside his box near goal line to Deulofeu, who then calmly set up Sergi Roberto for Barca's second goal. Solid game apart from the blunder.
Tosca: 4.5 /10
It was a night to forget for the left back. He was mauled by Barça's right hand side pairing of Deulofeu and Semedo all night. To add to his plight, Barca took their first goal of the game courtesy his own goal.
Guardado: 6/10
Playing as a defensive midfielder, he was tasked with providing cover to his defenders and minimize the effect of Barcelona's midfield. For all the gulf in quality amongst the players, he did very well and did not allow Barcelona to run riot against them.
Leiva: 5/10
Playing out wide on the right hand side, he had to come up against Jordi Alba. He disappointed the most amongst the travelling team's players and never looked to be getting out of Alba's shadow. A night to forget for him.
Narvaez: 6/10
Playing in central midfield against the mighty Barcelona is a daunting task and he too must have felt it. Constantly left chasing shadows as Barcelona moved the ball quickly, he still managed to stick to his task well and provided good cover for his defenders.
Camarasa: 5.5/10
Like all Betis players, he too worked hard tirelessly and supported his midfielders in defense. However, going forward, there wasn't much he could do. His decision-making and passing could have been better.
Joaquin: 6/10
The veteran showed great skills and ball control for Betis. He, however, couldn't do much against an atheletic and solid Semedo and failed to create chances for his teammates. He would be disappointed by his outing today.
Leon: 5/10
The new signing failed to make any sort of mark for the visiting team. You know it's been an appaling night if you fail to register any shot on goal. He did press the Barça backline well but the gulf in quality was too big.
Substitutes
Francis: 5 /10
Coming on for Nahuel Leiva, he blasted a golden opportunity high when he should have atleast tested the goalkeeper. Just like the man he came on for, he too couldn't trouble Alba much and failed to link well with Barrigan.
Garcia: 6/10
He came on in 68th minute for Nervaez and tried to shore up the midfield. The former Manchester City midfielder did hold his ground well and was among the few Betis players who can walk with their heads held high
Ruiz: 5/10
Late substitute for Camarasa as the game was almost over by then. He did not have much time to influence things.
