Barcelona’s Free-Scoring Betis Win Fails to Ease Defensive Concerns

Barcelona extended their winning start under Hansi Flick to 11 matches with a high-scoring victory over Betis at La Cartuja, although the performance again raised questions about their defensive control.

Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Gabriel Jesus, Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo were all on the scoresheet as Barcelona’s attacking depth proved decisive. Betis struck through Valentín Gomez and Abde Ezzalzouli, however, and briefly made the visitors work before the contest swung Barcelona’s way after the interval.

Quick facts

• Barcelona have won 11 consecutive matches to begin the season under Hansi Flick.
• Five Barcelona players scored: Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Gabriel Jesus, Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo.
• Valentín Gomez and Abde Ezzalzouli scored for Betis.
• Rodri registered his first goal for Barcelona.
• VAR ruled out a Giovani Lo Celso goal, while Betis also received a red card.

Rodri’s goal was particularly important, restoring Barcelona’s advantage during a difficult spell. The midfielder said the strike gave the side greater calm at a point when they were under pressure.

He described La Cartuja as one of the league’s tougher away venues and credited Betis for a strong display. Rodri said Barcelona were pleased with the result but acknowledged that the hosts had made the match demanding.

The Spain international also delivered a measured assessment of Barcelona’s broader form. While pleased by the team’s attacking output, he said the number of goals conceded is an area that must improve if Flick’s side are to sustain their challenge across the season.

“We are showing what we can do in attack, but we are letting in too many goals,” Rodri said. “That is where we can improve.”

There were major flashpoints in the second half. Lo Celso had a goal ruled out after a VAR review, with Rodri saying the handball involved had appeared unnatural and that the decision should be accepted.

Betis later had a player sent off, another moment that changed the balance of the game. Rodri said he had not seen the incident clearly enough to offer a view on the dismissal.

Rodri was also unhappy with the state of the playing surface, saying the uneven turf made it harder for Barcelona to move the ball with their usual rhythm. He stopped short of presenting it as an excuse, but said it had affected the team’s circulation and build-up.

Barcelona eventually had enough attacking quality to pull clear, but Rodri’s post-match comments underlined the challenge ahead: their early run has been outstanding, yet tighter defensive transitions will be required to turn a fast start into a sustained campaign.