Levante, Rasing, Getafe, Elche, Rayo, Valencia…out of the first eight rounds of La Liga, Barcelona’s only real strong opponent was Athletic Bilbao. Barca’s haters pointed out at this fact in order to explain their fantastic start in La Liga. And today came their biggest test so far: they played against Betis away. Los Verdiblancos are in terrific form and have lost only one game so far. Betis were third in La Liga and proved to be a great test to Hansi Flick’s team. But, the Catalans passed that test too, as they won 5-2 in Seville. Betis are playing great, but they failed to defeat Barcelona in their last 16 home games in the league, while the guests again scored five goals at the Benito Villamarín Stadium.This was a such a powerful and energetic game, with plenty of pace, goals and chances, but what decided this match was Real Betis’ red card in the 54th minute. Just before Bernal lost his head and kicked Yamal without a ball a couple times, the result was 3-2 for Barcelona. Betis still had all to play for, as the hosts came back from 1-0 and 3-1 and had the will and the energy to fight the visitors and maybe earn a draw. But to leave any team with 10 men against Barcelona for 30+ minutes is an impossible task as Betis soon found out. Apart from Yamal’s beautiful goal, Rodri, Jesus, Garcia and Olmo all scored to make it all look easy again.🚨🎥 | Real Betis were reduced to 10 men after Facundo Bernal received a direct red card for headbutting Lamine Yamal during a heated confrontation that followed Abde Ezzalzouli’s goal. Lamine Yamal was cautioned with a yellow card for his involvement in the scuffle. 🟥 https://t.co/eMYkJmfeHn— Culers Pro (@CulersPro) October 17, 2026 Two amazing goals, one of which was nullified due to handball were the highlights of the first half. Lamine Yamal scored a screamer from the edge of the penalty box after taking the ball deep in Betis’ midfield while Gio Lo Celso scored an even better one in the 45th minute. Unfortunately for the hosts, the goal was nullified as VAR showed that Cucho Hernandez handled the ball prior to the goal. In between there was a lot of action, two goals and two great chances. When Betis equalised in the 27th minute, it was their first shot of the game. Two big chances followed from both teams, as Betis keeper saved Adeyemi’s shot and then Garcia saved Bellerín’s effort. But in the 41st minute, Rodri’s header from a corner kick gave Barcelona a second lead.The excitement continued it the second half. Gabriel Jesus’s goal was canceled in the 50th minute due to offside, but just one minute later the former Arsenal striker from a simple tap-in created by Yamal. Betis tried to stay in the game and the Moroccan international Abdessamad Ezzalzouli used a quick counter-attack to score after just two minutes. It was fiery again with a 3-2 score but just minutes later Bernal lost his cool after a scuffle and hit Yamal without a ball, receiving a red card. In the 62nd minute it was all over, as Garcia scored the fourth goal, after keeper Alvaro Valles’s mistake, while Dani Olmo just made it more impressive in the 81st minute for the final 5-2.LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 9FridayLa Coruna – Levante 1-1 (0-0)/Nsongo 63 – Requena 82/SaturdayEspanyol – Atletico Madrid 0-1 (0-0)/Baena 89/Villareal – Elche 0-0Betis – Barcelona 2-5 (1-2)/Gomez 25, Ezzalzouli 53 – Yamal 10, Rodri 41, Jesus 51, Garcia 62, Olmo 81/22.00: (3.20) Valencia (3.30) Ath.Bilbao (2.30) Sunday15.00: (2.10) Osasuna (3.50) Santander (3.40)17.15: (2.10) Celta (3.35) Alaves (3.60)19.30: (3.35) Malaga (3.45) Sociedad (2.15) 22.00: (1.25) Real Madrid (6.50) Sevilla (10.0) Monday22.00: (2.90) Getafe (2.95) Rayo Vallecano (2.70) ***odds are subject to change***
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