Key Takeaways:
- Barcelona secured a 3-1 victory against Real Betis at Camp Nou
- The win saw Barcelona complete a perfect home league season for the first time since 1959/60
- The triumph marked Manuel Pellegrini’s 29th managerial defeat against Barcelona
Historic Home Campaign Completed
La Liga champions Barcelona capped off their league campaign at Camp Nou with a flawless home record, overcoming Real Betis 3-1 to accomplish a feat last achieved by the club in the 1959/60 season. This also marks the first time any team in a 20-team La Liga has finished a season with a perfect set of home wins.
It’s been a pleasure, Lewy. 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/RmfzAfIUzU
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 17, 2026
First-Half Control and Early Drama
The hosts asserted themselves immediately, recording two shots on target within the opening fifteen minutes, while João Cancelo’s mesmerising solo run had Real Betis on the back foot. The visitors thought they had broken the deadlock on 23 minutes, but Abde Ezzalzouli’s finish was ruled out for offside. Shortly thereafter, Raphinha broke through with a decisive free-kick into the bottom corner, catching Álvaro Valles off-guard. Joan García then denied Abde’s legitimate shot with a superb save, and Barcelona maintained their dominance as the interval approached.
Second-Half Developments and Decisive Moments
The contest saw little goalmouth action after the restart, with Betis’ half-time substitute Isco becoming increasingly involved in their forward moves. However, the tempo slowed and Barcelona appeared momentarily complacent. A costly error from Héctor Bellerín granted Raphinha the opportunity to double his tally, which he converted with a precise low strike.
Betis were afforded a way back into the match when they were awarded a hotly debated penalty. Isco stepped up and put away his first goal of the season from the spot, reducing the deficit. Antony nearly levelled proceedings for the visitors with an elegant curling effort, but the decisive blow came from Cancelo, whose right-footed shot from distance assured Barcelona of victory.
