Spanish giants Barcelona have missed a glorious chance to temporarily go top of the La Liga standings after losing two precious points at Real Betis.
He moment Alexander Alegria broke the deadlock
Luis Enrique’s men managed a last minute gasp to claim one point after their match against Real Betis ended 1 – 1.
Barcelona who were third on the log with 41 points would have gone straight to the summit of the standings with a win.
As
the game was heading for a goalless draw with a very stiff Betis
defense denying the experienced Barcelona attackers, Betis' Alexander
Alegria shot his side into the lead with barely 15 minutes left to play.
The
highly entertaining fixture was filled with so much drama and
controversies but a spectacular one happened in the 81st minute when
what would have been an equalizer by the visitors was cleared off the
line by Alin Tosca.
Alin Tosca clears the ball from his own net
Camera replays showed the ball had crossed the line but the referee gave 'no goal'.
Betis’
Ruben Castro would have sealed the win for the home team in the 83rd
minute after he was left one-on-one against Barcelona goalkeeper
Marc-Andre ter Stegen who eventually blocked the shot to help his side
avoid defeat.
Barcelona’s persistence finally
paid off in the 90th minute when Luis Suarez scored to ensure his side
return home with some form of respect. It ended; Real Betis 1 – 1
Barcelona.
Barcelona now move to second spot, but on better goal difference with Sevilla who dropped to third on 42 points.
With
two games in hand, embattled Real Madrid who have lost form recently
remain on top of the log with 43 points. They face Real Sociedad on
Sunday night, January 29