FC Barcelona B 1-2 Betis Deportivo: 2022 opens with a defeat

Barça B have lost their first game of 2022, and on home turf at the Estadi Johan Cruyff and the second loss in a row in the league. The positive side of the game was a fine display by debuting youngster Aleix Garrido, who also scored his team’s only goal.

The Betis reserves were the victorious visitors, whose early pressure paid off when Mohamed Sanhaji won the ball down the right and finished off the 25^th minute move with a fine goal.

With Álvaro Sanz masterminding the midfield, Barça B were quick to react and another player who’s been getting first team experience of late, Ilias Akhomach, was on the end of most of the big attacking plays.

Following the restart, Barça B went straight out on the offensive, and finally got the reward they deserved for all their insistence when Aleix Garrido found an equaliser.

Barça looked to have Betis Deportivo mastered, but just when their play was its most faultless, they were hit by a perfectly executed counter attack and found themselves trailing for the second time.

Barça pushed and pushed, coming closest five minutes from the end when Estanis Pedrola hit the post after a lovely solo run. And right at the end it was none other than goalkeeper Arnau Tenas who very nearly headed in an equaliser, but his opposing number Daniel Rebolla produced a fine save to ensure three points for the Andalusians.

MATCH STATS

Barça B: Arnau Tenas, Guillem Jaime, Arnau Comas, Mika Mármol, Álvaro Sanz, Rodado, Lucas de Vega (Matheus Pereira, min 65), Zacarias Ghailan (Peque Polo, min 46), Alejandro Balde, Ilias Akhomach (Estanis Pedrola, min 65), Aleix Garrido (Escobar, min 80).

Betis Deportivo: Daniel Rebollo, Marc Baró, Luis Martínez, Simón Lecea, Marchena, Ángel Baena (Pleguezuelo, min 89), Mohamed Mizzian (Raul, min 89), Enrique Hermoso, Mohamed Snhaji (Fekir, min 67), Raúl Tavares (SIbo, min 72), José Alonso (Cruz, min 67).

Goals: 0 – 1, Mohamed Sanhaji (min 25); 1 – 1, Aleix Garrido (min48); 1 – 2 Raúl  Tavares (min51).