The joy of six for Barca as Betis are sunk by another comeback

Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images

A perfect half dozen!

Another comeback isn’t good for the old ticker but my God, what super entertainment Barca are serving up of late.

Betis can probably consider themselves a little unlucky on the night, given that they played as well as the Blaugranes in part, however, the introduction of Lionel Messi was always going to be a game-changer.

Over the 90 minutes we saw the best and worst of Ronald Koeman’s team, but there was much, much more to be pleased about than not on that showing.

We continue to attack with purpose and absolutely thrive when Frenkie de Jong is played in his natural position. His passing stats from the match were incredible:

100% - Frenkie de Jong del @FCBarcelona_es ha completado sus 81 pases ante el Real Betis, récord de un jugador suplente con el 100% de acierto en un mismo partido de @LaLiga desde al menos la 05/06. Serenidad. pic.twitter.com/0vGxc4LOc4

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 7, 2021

Great for Trincao to score with such a sensational goal for his first in a Barca shirt. He needs to be more productive and improve his selection when making a pass or shot, though hopefully the goal will give him some much-needed confidence now that the monkey is off his back.

A sixth win in succession isn’t to be sniffed at either. Something we’ve not managed since 2019 when Ernesto Valverde was in charge. Six times we’ve come back to win in the last 16 games too.

Certainly, as the season begins to unfold, Ronald Koeman continues to gain credibility in the coaching position.

The Dutchman had been much maligned, including by this author, however, credit where it’s due. He now has the team playing well for the most part, notwithstanding a few tweaks here and there.

Given what he has had to overcome from the perspective of not being the choice of many cules, as well as turning things around after an awful start, Koeman deserves all of the plaudits now coming his way.

Photo by Mateo Villalba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Even if Barca were to tail off slightly, brave is the new president who will dispense with his services now.

His subs against Betis were certainly on point, with Messi and Pedri doing the business once more. The genuine understanding between the pair is a real boon for the club this season.

Let’s hope too that Ronald Araujo’s injury isn’t too serious. It would be a real shame for the youngster to miss any more games when he’s really hit a sweet spot in terms of his form.

Back we go to Andalusia in just a couple of games time, and though Sevilla are in a hot-streak of their own, they’ll not want to face Barca when we’re in this mood.

Source: barcablaugranes.com