Defensive Woes Persist as Barcelona Edges Real Betis in Thrilling 4-2 Victory

In what initially appeared as a comfortable lead for Barcelona against Real Betis on Sunday, the match took an unexpected turn with Betis scoring twice in quick succession within the next 20 minutes, setting the stage for a pulsating finish.

The defensive vulnerabilities of Barcelona were evident as early as the 4th minute when a well-executed Isco pass for Luis Enrique exposed their high defensive line. This pattern persisted throughout the game, posing a significant threat to Xavi’s side.

Isco’s impact was particularly notable, as he showcased Barca’s defensive frailty with a goal in the 56th minute and another just three minutes later. The second goal, in particular, highlighted the unraveling of Barcelona’s high line, leaving goalkeeper Inaki Pena in a vulnerable position.

Pena’s uncertain performance throughout the game was further emphasized when he made an error leading to Betis’ first goal. The goalkeeper’s decision-making and positioning came under scrutiny, raising concerns about Barcelona’s defensive stability.

The article emphasizes that Pena has struggled to keep clean sheets, managing only one in La Liga since Ter Stegen’s injury. With Ter Stegen expected to return in mid-February, the assessment suggests that Barcelona could benefit from the experience of a more seasoned goalkeeper.

While Barcelona’s attacking prowess, notably Ferran Torres’ hat-trick, secured the three points against Betis, defensive lapses remain a significant concern. The final score of 4-2 underscores the thrilling nature of the match but also highlights the challenges that Barcelona’s defense needs to address for more consistent performances in the future.