Xavi Hernandez suffered his first defeat as Barcelona head coach on Saturday, as the Blaugrana were beaten 1-0 by Real Betis at the Camp Nou.
The Barcelona tactician left both Gerard Pique and Frenkie de Jong on the bench ahead of the club’s crucial Champions League fixture away at Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
Ousmane Dembele came off the bench and created a lot of danger, while Memphis Depay failed to worry Betis‘ defence throughout the game.
Produced a fine save in the 46th minute to deny Alex Moreno and wasn’t at fault for Juanmi‘s goal, as Barcelona‘s defence were caught off guard on the counter.
Didn’t contribute much in attack in the first half, but he looked more active after Dembele came off the bench, with the two combining well on the right-hand side.
The Uruguay international put in a solid display in defence for the Blaugrana. A complete performance by Araujo, who won duels and looked focused throughout the match.
In his return to the starting line-up, the Frenchman didn’t struggle in defence despite failing to prevent Juanmi from scoring.
In his 400th game as a Barcelona player, Alba tried to contain Aitor Ruibal, who was one of Betis‘ most dangerous players in the match.
The 33-year-old midfielder prioritised helping his teammates in defence with his recoveries, rather contributing in attack.
Featured in midfield against Betis and combined well with Busquets before being subbed off after receiving a blow to his head in the 33rd minute.
Got off to a good start, but his performance faded as the match went on. He was somewhat slow when participating in the circulation of the ball and had some misplaced passes.
Andres Guardado and Alex Moreno didn’t give the youngster much space on the right. Was very lively on the pitch and moved to the left flank after Dembele came off the bench, but he missed a big chance to find the back of the net.
Hardly participated in Barcelona‘s play up front. Didn’t impress, although he improved after Frenkie de Jong came on and combined with him in attack.
Xavi placed his confidence in Coutinho, but the Brazilian midfielder didn’t shine against Betis. He was lively in the first 15 minutes, but wasn’t involved much from that point on.
The Barcelona coach rotated his team ahead of the Bayern Munich clash, but the Blaugrana failed to deliver. They improved after Dembele came off the bench and pushed forward for a winner, but were punished by Betis on the counter.
Came on in the 35th minute to replace Gavi, but didn’t stand out despite participating in the ball circulation.
Started on the bench, but he replaced Nico just before the hour mark. Failed to stop Sergio Canales for Juanmi‘s goal.
Made an immediate impact after coming off the bench, constantly creating danger inside Betis‘ box. Produced some fine crosses and was denied by Rui Silva in the 61st minute.
Played for just 10 minutes. Was hardly involved.
Didn’t do much in his first appearance under Xavi.
