Controversy Covers The Might Of Barcelona

JAKARTA - Barcelona has consolidated its position at the top of the Spanish La Liga standings. This was thanks to the 2-1 victory over Real Betis in the 17th jornada at the Benito Villamarin Stadium, Thursday, February 2, early morning WIT.

Rapinha and Robert Lewandowski scored two goals for Barcelona in the second half. Real Betis reduced the gap through Jules Kounde's own goal.

However, this victory was marred by controversy. The opposing team accused that the first goal should have been disallowed.

"The first goal was controversial. There was a foul on Aitor Ruibal and it was not given," said Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini.

While Barcelona coach, Xavi said his team had played a brilliant game. He also considered the performance of his team to be better than the last match against Girona.

"Today, the key was not losing the ball and we minimized it. We dominated from the start," said Xavi.

This victory also extended Barcelona's unbeaten record in the last 10 matches. Blaugrana appeared mighty with 9 wins and one draw.

Barca's position is also firmly at the top of the standings with 50 points from 19 matches, eight points ahead of Real Madrid in second place who have only played 18 times.

Player line-up

Real Betis (4-2-3-1): Rui Silva; Aitor Ruibal (Sabaly 78'), German Pezzella, Luiz Felipe, Abner Vinicius; William Carvalho (Guardado 63'), Guido Rodriguez; Luiz Henrique, Nabil Fekir (Juanmi 63'), Sergio Canales; Borja Iglesias (Willian Jose 77')

Barcelona (4-3-3): Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, Alejandro Balde; Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets, Pedri (Franck Kessie 90'); Raphinha (Ansu Fati 80'), Robert Lewandowski, Gavi (Ferran Torres 84')