FC Barcelona outclasses Betis Sevilla – first free-kick goal since Messi’s departure

First free kick goal since Messi’s departure

The new national team captain Ilkay Gündogan is fit again in the DFB jersey a few days after his injury. The 32-year-old came on as a substitute in the 64th minute of his FC Barcelona’s 5-0 win against Real Betis Sevilla on Saturday evening. Gündogan had to leave the pitch in the 25th minute of the German national team’s friendly win against France on Tuesday due to a bruised pelvis.

The goals for the strong Barça were scored by João Félix (25th), Robert Lewandowski (32nd), Ferran Torres (62nd), Raphinha (66th) and João Cancelo (81st) in front of 45,055 spectators. Torres scored the first free-kick goal since May 2021 and the departure of Lionel Messi. “I didn’t know we hadn’t scored a goal from a free kick since Messi. It could have been someone else, but of course I’m glad it was me,” said the 23-year-old after the game.

The Catalans are one point ahead of their rivals from the capital ahead of Real Madrid’s encounter against Real Sociedad San Sebastián on Sunday (9 p.m.). “It wasn’t a perfect game, but it was an excellent game,” said Barça coach Xavi enthusiastically. “We had a lot of brilliant moments. This is the way forward.”

To home page