Everything you need to know about Barça v Betis
League competition returns to the Camp Nou. On Sunday, August 25, Barça will face Betis (9.00pm CEST). Ernesto Valverde's side will look for the three points against a team that has several ex-Barça players in their ranks. Below is everything you need to know about the game.
The first match, 87 years ago
The first time both teams faced each other in a league match was in 1932/33 at the Workers' Patronage, Real Betis's stadium. The game, played on Christmas Day, ended in a 2-1 win to the hosts. Arocha was the first scorer for Barça against Betis in official competition.
107th Barça-Betis in the league
Barça have played a total of 106 League matches against Betis in official competition. Of these clashes, Barça have 64 wins, 21 draws and 21 defeats, with 245 goals scored and 114 conceded.
Messi, top scorer against the 'verdiblancos'
By counting only the goals in the league, Leo Messi is the player who has scored the most against Betis. The Barça striker has 19 goals in 19 league games, and some of them, like last season's at the Benito Villamarín, are worth remembering.
In which game did Barça score most goals?
Six goals are the highest amount Barça have scored against Betis in an official match, and they've managed it on four occasions. In 1958/59 (0-6 in the cup), 59/60 (6-0 in the league), 61/62 (6-1 in the league) and 2016/17 (6-2 in the league).
And when did they let in the most?
The 1933/34 season (4-0 in the cup), 1967/68 (4-3 in the league) and 2018/19 (3-4 in the league) were the seasons when FC Barcelona let in the most goals against the Andalusians.
Those who have played for both teams
Cristian Tello, Marc Bartra and Kaptoum, are an example of players who have worn the colours of both clubs. In addition, the current trainer of Real Betis, Joan Francesc Ferrer 'Rubi', was part of the technical team at Barça in the 2013/14 season. At Barça, we find the former Betico Junior Firpo, who last year played a great match at the Camp Nou for Sunday's opponents.
A renewed Betis
This new season has seen Rubi join Betis as their new coach, replacing Quique Setién. Along with his appointment, there have also been new players arriving, such as Álex Moreno, Borja Iglesias, Fekir, Juanmi, Pedraza and Dani Martin.
Last eight league openers at the Camp Nou
Barça have managed to will all eight of their season openers in the domestic competition at the Camp Nou over the last eight years. Curiously, two of these wins have been against Betis, in the 2016/17 season (6-2) and in 2017/18 (2-0).