🇪🇸 Barcelona drop critical points at home against Real Betis | OneFootball

Barcelona will be left frustrated after dropping points against visiting Real Betis in a 1-1 draw at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

Scorers: Gavi 7'; Natan 17'

In the wake of Real Madrid's critical stumble in a 2-1 home loss against Valencia, Barça had a real chance to establish a firm lead at the top of the La Liga table with just eight matches remaining after the weekend.

Hansi Flick's men would get off to just the right start in front of home support when Gavi netted after just seven minutes against a club he previously spent time with at youth level.

But Betis would claw back level just ten minutes later thanks to a bullet header from Brazilian defender Natan after he did well to meet Giovani Lo Celso's corner.

Much like in Madrid, Catalunya would witness the home side look the far better of the two on display, but despite their advantage, Barça failed in their attempt at pulling back ahead before the halftime interval.

It was much of the same from Barcelona after the break, with Manuel Pellegrini's Verdiblancos struggling to create much while Barça turned the screw time and again.

Spanish starlet Lamine Yamal so nearly found a late goal to finally put Barcelona ahead in the 88th minute, but Betis reacted quickly to block his effort in the wake of Fermín López's ball across goal being parried away by Betis shot-stopper Adrián.

With that result, Barcelona still extend their lead at the top to four points over their bitter rivals but have left the door open just enough as the season rages on.

Betis will feel lucky to secure a point on their travels, too, and will hope for a Villarreal loss at home against Athletic Club on Sunday.

📸 JOSEP LAGO - AFP or licensors