Seville: Jordi Alba scored an incredible volley in injury time as FC Barcelona defeated Real Betis in a La Liga clash on Sunday ( May 8) at Benito Villamarin. With the victory, against Real Beltis, FC Barcelona cemented their spot in the UEFA Champions League next season.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side suffered a setback as they lost goalkeeper Claudio Bravo within the opening ten minutes due to injury, and Rui Silva took his place. Silva however, did not disappoint as he kept out a thumping header from the Urugyuan defender Ronald Araujo.
During the lively first half, the home team created more chances than the Catalans. However, things were turned around when Ansu Fati was subbed in. Fati who returned after a major injury, had an instant impact as he scored his first goal since January and gave his team the necessary lead.
Marc Batra, a former FC Barcelona player equalised for Real Betis almost immediately. But, a sensational volley from the veteran left back Jordi Alba ensured Barça returned with all three points and a guaranted UCL qualification.
Xavi Hernandez, who took over mid season achieved his primary objective. When Xavi was appointed, Barcelona were sitting in the 9th place and were looking unsure about their UCL qualification but Xavi and his men are now 11 points ahead Real Betis who are fifth in the table and five points ahead of Sevilla, who are currently third.
“It’s a weight off our shoulders,” Xavi said after the match. “It could have been an even tougher season but the team has competed well since we arrived in November.
“We have not always played excellently, but we have a winning spirit and we are competitive. We’ve been all the other top half teams in the second half of the season. It’s clear we have to pay better. We have to analyse things. But the effort has been huge since November. We’re in the Champions League, a competition we deserve to be in, now we want to finish second.”
