‘They kill matches‘ — Manuel Pellegrini explains how Barcelona convert small openings into decisive blows | OneFootball

FC Barcelona came out on top against Real Betis in their penultimate game of the La Liga 2025/26 season, sealing a 3-1 win that looked comfortable on the scoreboard but felt more contested in phases than the result suggests.

While the Blaugrana controlled large spells and found the goals at the right moments, Betis still managed to make the game uncomfortable at different stages, especially after the break, when their structure improved, and they pushed higher up the pitch.

Speaking after the match, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, Manuel Pellegrini was clear in his assessment of how the game unfolded and where it slipped away for his side. He said:

“It was a game with two very different halves. A first half with little possession in which they could have opened the scoring with a free kick. The rest of the first half, they had more possession, and in the second, with Isco’s introduction, what we were doing changed.”

“We had more of the ball, more attacks, but we were unfortunate in the two goals they scored. You can’t give Barça an advantage in the box because they kill matches. Unfortunately, the score went against us, but I really liked what the team did in the second half.”

Beyond his team’s performance, Pellegrini also spoke about Robert Lewandowski, recalling past encounters and praising the Barcelona forward as he reaches the closing stages of his spell in Spain.

“I had to suffer him. We faced him in that controversial Málaga-Borussia Dortmund tie, which, with VAR, would have had a different result. He has had a brilliant career, and here in Barcelona, he has shown it with his goals. I am happy for the great farewell he received, because he fully deserved it for what he has done throughout his career.”

Despite the result, Pellegrini left with a sense that his side had competed better than the scoreline indicates, especially in the second half, even if Barcelona’s efficiency in decisive moments once again made the difference.