08.12.2010 20:00
Great fightback (2-2)
Roger Bogunyà
Barça B took another valuable point on Wednesday night with a 2-2 draw at leaders Betis, thanks to second half goals from Nolito and Romeu as the team fought back from a two goal deficit.
It was first against fourth at the Benito Villamarín and both teams showed why they are enjoying
such a successful season. The game, which was postponed on November 27th because of heavy rain,
lived up to expectations and saw a great fight back from Luis Enrique’s youngsters, who were
2-0 down as the game entered the last 15 minutes.
Given that Betis had previously won all six home games this season, the point was important
not just because it confirmed Barca B’s fourth spot, but also because it showed they can
compete with anybody at this level. The players put in a great performance and never lost faith in
their ability to pull the game back .
Rubén Castro puts Betis ahead
After just seven minutes, Betis showed why they lead the division, with a quick
attacking move between Salva Sevilla and Rubén Castro finished with the latter opening the scoring.
Luis Enrique’s charges hit back and began to dominate possession, but their lack of punch up
front again let them down, only Nolito, with an individual effort that went high, coming close to
getting a goal back.
Masip
Betis looked comfortable waiting to hit Barça on the break and Masip had to be at his best to
keep Rubén Castro and Emaná from making is two nil, as the visitors’ defence looked decidedly
fragile.
2-0 and triple sub
The game continued in the same vein after the break, with Roversio making it 2-0
soon after the re-start. Luis Enrique decided to take drastic action with more than half an hour
left and brought on Saúl, Riverola and Ilie for Rochina, Sergi Roberto and Carmona to shake things
up, a move that soon began to pay off.
Barça B grow and Betis disappear
Again though, it was Masip who Barça had to thank for still being in the game, after
the keeper had made a series of great stops to prevent the 3-0, before the team began to react and
lay siege to the hosts’ goal. Reward came on 78 minutes when Nolito headed in a good cross
from Montoya and with the rain pouring down, Betis’ chances began to wash away.
Romeu gets the draw
Fear seemed to grip the hosts as they retreated deeper and deeper into their own half under
the pressure of Barça’s attacking football and Riverola and Romeu combined to make it 2-2 on
84 minutes. Not satisfied with the point, the youngsters pushed for the winner, but when Nolito had
his chance late on, he failed to make it count.
STATS
Betis, 2
Barça B, 2
Betis: Goitia, Isidoro, Roversio, Dorado, Nacho, Iriney, Beñat (Juande, min 83),
Miguel Lopes (Cañas, min 70), Emaná, Salva Sevilla and Rubén Castro (Molina, min 79).
Barça B: Masip, Montoya, Armando, Muniesa, Abraham, Romeu, Carmona (Ilie, min 58),
Sergi Roberto (Riverola, min 58), Rochina (Saúl, min 56), Tello and Nolito.
Goals: 1-0, Rubén Castro (min 7); 2-0, Roversio (min 47); 2-1, Nolito (min 78);
2-2, Romeu (min 84)
Referee: Juan Martínez Munuera.