Xavi’s FC Barcelona knew that a win on Saturday would secure what Xavi has always described as objective number one since he took charge of the team. Beat Real Betis and a place in the Champions League next season would be a certainty.
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Jordi Alba netted a wonderful volley deep into second half stoppage time to help Barcelona grab a narrow 2-1 victory against Real Betis, sealing Champions League football for next season in the process.
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The two teams got off to a slow start after the break and didn’t create much up until the 63rd minute when Neto pulled off a great save to deny Juanmi.
Then, Ansu Fati came off the bench and managed to find the net with one of his first few touches in the game to put Barcelona ahead.
ANSU FATI SCORES OFF THE BENCH FOR BARCELONA 💫 pic.twitter.com/M1GQZ5pU18
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 7, 2022
Ansu Fati’s love affair with goalscoring continues. It’s in his blood. On Saturday at the Benito Villamarín, 115 days after being side-lined with another injury, it took him just 75 seconds after coming on as a substitute to stroke the ball into the back of the net.
Betis reacted instantly and equalised through former Barcelona defender Bartra, who headed home following a Nabil Fekir corner kick with 11 minutes to go.
https://twitter.com/espnfc/status/1523041656320057346?s=21&t=s3g76BUur4J5yqyd78Jb5w
Despite Betis gaining momentum after netting the leveller, both teams pushed for a winner in the remaining minutes and it was Barcelona who scored a late goal to snatch all three points.
Dani Alves produced a precise cross to find Alba in the box and the Barcelona left-back unleashed a thunderous volley to beat Silva.
JORDI ALBA WINS IT WITH AN INCREDIBLE STRIKE 😱 pic.twitter.com/1xAWWXB2ny
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 7, 2022
Xavi’s FC Barcelona are still second, 12 points behind La Liga champions Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Betis are sitting fifth, three points behind fourth-placed Atletico Madrid.
FC Barcelona coach Xavi said,”A big win against Betis — a direct rival for the Champions League”
"A big win against Betis — a direct rival for the Champions League"
— Xavi reacts to Barça's dramatic victory on Saturday night pic.twitter.com/ETJ8UsFbPf
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 8, 2022
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