An incredible finish at the Benito Villamarin sees Barcelona edge past Real Betis 2-1, thanks to Alba’s last-minute winner.
A tight affair after 75 minutes was turned on its head by Xavi’s substitutions.
With Fati scoring to break the deadlock just 60 later – with his second ball touch after an Alba cross.
Not to be denied, Real Betis would go up the other end and equalise just three minutes later when former Barcelona defender Bartra headed Fekir’s free-kick past Neto.
However, Alba would be the late hero, adding a goal to his earlier assist with a vicious volley from an Alves delivery to the far post in the 94th minute, which left backup goalkeeper Silva no chance.
The late win inches Barca ever closer to a second-place finish, while Real Betis remain three points back of Atletico ahead of their clash with Real Madrid tomorrow.
Starting lineup:
REAL BETIS XI (4-2-3-1): Claudio Bravo; Alex Moreno, Marc Bartra, German Pezzella, Youssouf Sabaly; Andres Guardado, Guido Rodriguez; Juanmi, Nabil Fekir, Sergio Canales; Borja Iglesias.
BARCELONA XI (4-3-3): Neto; Dani Alves, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, Jordi Alba; Frenkie De Jong, Sergio Busquets, Gavi; Ousmane Dembele, Ferran Torres, Memphis Depay.
Goals:
HIS IMPACT IS IMMEDIATE! 1-0 BARCELONA! To say Xavi’s substitution has worked would be an understatement, with Fati scoring with just his second touch of the match! The winner receives a cross on the edge of the 18-yard box before settling the ball and poking an accurate finish into the bottom corner!
REAL BETIS STRIKE BACK IMMEDIATELY! 1-1! Fekir’s lovely delivery from the Betis free-kick on the left finds the head of former Barcelona defender Bartra, who powers a header past Neto from close range!
ALBA FINDS A LATE WINNER! 2-1 BARCELONA! It’s a dramatic finish at the Benito Villamarin as Betis fail to clear their lines after a Fati cross, allowing Alves to play the ball back towards the far post in the second phase of the attack. Alba meets the delivery on the left wing with a thunderous volley that beats Silva high in the centre of his goal!
So, what’s next?
Real Betis are back in action on Tuesday when they travel to face Valencia.
Barcelona returns home on the same day to host Celta Vigo.
