Robert Lewandowski Shines, But Barca Held by Betis

Robert Lewandowski continued his prolific form but couldn’t prevent Barcelona from dropping points in a 2-2 draw with Real Betis. The Polish striker netted his 16th league goal of the season but Betis salvaged a dramatic late equalizer through 19-year-old Assane Diao. The game started intensely with Real Betis creating early chances. Diego Llorente’s header was cleared off the line by Raphinha and Abde Ezzalzouli a former Barcelona player was denied by goalkeeper Inaki Pena.

Despite these missed opportunities, Barcelona struck first. Lewandowski clinically converted Jules Kounde’s cross to cap off a flowing team move, marking his 23rd goal in 21 games across all competitions. Betis trailing 1-0 at halftime emerged with greater urgency. However, they squandered a series of opportunities as Sergi Altimira and Giovani Lo Celso headed wide while Pena brilliantly tipped Chimy Avila’s effort past the post.

Their persistence paid off when Lo Celso equalized from the penalty spot after Frenkie de Jong fouled Vitor Roque, a Barcelona loanee, in the box. Barcelona regained the lead when Ferran Torres came off the bench to score. He latched onto Lamine Yamal’s clever reverse pass and slotted past Betis keeper Fran Vieites. The visitors seemed poised for victory until Diao’s composed finish in injury time earned Betis a hard-fought draw.

The result sees Barcelona’s grip on the title race weaken. They remain five points clear of Real Madrid but Los Blancos have two games in hand. Barca now shifts focus to a Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday before returning to La Liga action against Leganes on December 15. Despite the setback, Robert Lewandowski’s consistency continues to shine in an otherwise frustrating evening for Barcelona.