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.