SEVILLE (Reuters) – A stoppage-time objective from defender Jordi Alba earned Barcelona a 2-1 LaLiga win at Real Betis on Saturday, securing Xavi Hernandez’s aspect Champions League qualification and edging them nearer to a spot on the profitable Spanish Super Cup finals.
Alba acquired a exact go from Dani Alves within the ultimate seconds of the sport and lashed the ball previous goalkeeper Rui Silva with a superbly-taken, first-time volley.
With the league title already sealed by Real Madrid, Barcelona are actually second on 69 factors within the standings, 5 factors away from Sevilla in third and eight forward of Atletico Madrid in fourth, each with one sport in hand.
Betis ahead Juanmi had the primary sight of objective in an entertaining match, however his effort might solely discover the side-netting within the seventh minute.
Ten minutes later Manuel Pellegrini’s aspect misplaced goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to harm as he harm himself stretching to succeed in for the ball and was changed by Rui Silva.
The Portuguese substitute, nonetheless, produced a superb show, beginning with an excellent save from Ronald Araujo’s bullet header minutes after getting into the pitch.
Betis created extra alternatives in a energetic first half, however substitute Ansu Fati put the guests forward after the break with a low shot in direction of the left nook within the 76th minute.
Barca’s lead didn’t final lengthy, as three minutes later former Barcelona defender Marc Bartra levelled for the Copa del Rey champions with a header.
But Alba sealed the sport within the dying minutes.
Barcelona, who’ve gained 10 of their final 12 league matches, are near wrapping up second place and snatching the three.4 million euros that the membership would make by going to the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Both Copa del Rey finalists — winners Betis and runners-up Valencia — will likely be joined within the 2023 Spanish Super Cup finals by high two groups within the LaLiga standings.
Betis, in the meantime, missed a chance to maneuver degree on factors with fourth-placed Atletico of their bid to secure a spot in Champions League subsequent season, as they continue to be fifth with 58 factors.
Before the match, Barcelona gave a guard of honour to the Betis gamers for his or her cup victory final month.
(Reporting by Anita Kobylinska in , modifying by Pritha Sarkar and Toby Davis)
