Three takeaways from Barcelona 3-1 Real Betis | La Liga MD37 | OneFootball

Barcelona registered a win over Real Betis last night with a 3-1 scoreline as Raphinha scored twice and Joao Cancelo put the icing on the cake. The performance, however, was not very convincing.

Los Verdiblancos had their chances to get back into the game but failed to capitalise on any of them until they were controversially handed a penalty by VAR.

Despite getting back into the game briefly, however, Real Betis never really got close to equalising and Barcelona ran away with the game after Joao Cancelo’s goal.

Barça Universal brings you three takeaways from Barcelona 3-1 Real Betis.

One for the history books

Real Betis were the final visitors for Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou this season, and a special record awaited the Catalans if they won the game at home.

Barcelona have won each home match of the season. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

So far this season, Barcelona have, after all, been invincible at home with an unstoppable record playing in front of their own fans in La Liga.

18 match days had been played at home ahead of last night’s game, both at Montjuic and at the Spotify Camp Nou, and Barcelona had a 100% win record in the 18 games and took all 54 points possible.

Last night’s win over Real Betis ensured that they finish strong and that they close the season with 19 wins in 19 La Liga games at home. That feat, needless to say, is almost unheard of.

Going unbeaten at home is one thing, but winning all 57 possible points is a really special affair, and Barcelona have now become the first team ever to win all 19 games at home in the history of a 20-team La Liga.

Having missed out on 100 points, this record will ensure Hansi Flick’s Barcelona are remembered in the history books for a very special record that is difficult to match.

Joao Cancelo is a star

Two games remain in the ongoing season, and while some players are already saying their farewells, others have an uncertain future that still cannot be predicted.

Joao Cancelo was unbeatable against Real Betis. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

The two players on loan – Joao Cancelo and Marcus Rashford – headline the second category and are both keen on staying in Catalonia. A final decision, however, has not been made and will hinge on the economics.

What Cancelo did last night, however, was prove his versatility and value once more to force Barcelona into understanding the importance he holds in the squad, and it is clear that the club will not have it easy in making a final decision even if the economics do not work out.

Since arriving in January, the full-back has been Barcelona’s best left-back, best right-back and arguably even the team’s best backup left-winger as seen last night.

His influence in the attacking third and a creative sense has only been second to Lamine Yamal which comes as a testament to his quality.

The veteran played all 90 minutes last night, 45 as a defender and the next 45 as a winger. In both halves, he was a lethal weapon for the team.

Cancelo had 61 touches, 19 carries, six progressive carries and 86% accuracy passes on the night. Further, he had two shots of which one was on target and got the better of the goalkeeper to put the result beyond doubt.

It is uncertain if Cancelo will continue, but Barcelona must undoubtedly do everything in their power to ensure he stays. After all, such high-quality full-backs are hard to come by.

A fitting farewell

Robert Lewandowski may not have scored any goals last night, but the spotlight shone bright on him and deservedly so.

Playing his final game ever at the Spotify Camp Nou, Lewandowski was handed a start by Hansi Flick on his special night.

While his performance may not have caught attention, his farewell was one of the most fitting and emotional ones Barcelona has had in years.

Lewandowski played his final home game. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

It was in the 85th minute that the board went up signalling the Polish star’s time to depart the field, and the stadium burst into a standing ovation with chants of his name ringing all around the park.

Teammates surrounded him, with Joan Garcia making a trip from goal to join the special moment, and the Polish striker, for all his masculinity and emotionless image, teared up uncontrollably as he made his way off the field.

The seven minutes that followed did not see any emphasis on the events on the field as the stadium continued to pay tribute to the striker who left it all to resurrect Barcelona.

Chants of his name echoed around the park and the player kept acknowledging the love that was being showered on him.

The full-time whistle was just a formality amid the already ongoing farewell, and the events post that were all about the forward.

He stayed on the grass of the Spotify Camp Nou taking pictures with every teammate, staff member and club member he has been associated with, and even gave an emotional speech to bid fans adieu.

Lewandowski stayed on the field until midnight, soaking in the atmosphere that he will miss from next season, and the fans left a fitting banner on the stands that read, ‘Robert, with you it all began. Thank you.’

For the man who left it all to help Barcelona return to where they deserve, the night was more than deserved.