Barcelona vs. Real Betis: Score and Reaction from 2015 La Liga Match

Lionel Messi scored in his 500th appearance for Barcelona as the Catalans beat Real Betis 4-0 on Wednesday at the Camp Nou to reclaim the La Liga lead in their final match of 2015.   

Heiko Westermann opened the score with an own-goal, and Luis Suarez scored a brace. The latter's first strike saw the Catalans break Real Madrid's record for most goals across all competitions in a calendar year, per Squawka Football. 

After a slow start and a dubious penalty decision, the Blaugrana blew past Betis, adding a couple more goals in the second half to entertain the fans.

Bleacher Report UK shared this comment from former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola to commemorate Messi's 500th match for the Blaugrana:

The match didn't need long to burst into flame. Shortly after kick-off, Neymar was the victim of a rough tackle from Petros, and the Brazilian retaliated by starting a scuffle with Alvaro Cejudo. The official decided against an early caution, but the incident immediately set the tone.

Betis were happy to sit in their own half and aim for the counter-attack, using the pace and vision of young starlet Dani Ceballos. The 19-year-old has shown flashes of his talent this season, and he played one of his best matches on Wednesday against Barcelona's vaunted midfield.

ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan was impressed:

Not surprisingly, the visitors were not afraid to be physical with Barcelona's talented attack, and Neymar was often the victim. The Brazil international was kicked around quite extensively during the first half, and the official didn't always provide him with the protection he needed.

Betis more than held their own against the Blaugrana, however, and chances were few. Even after an injury forced Bruno Gonzalez Cabrera to leave the pitch, the visitors didn't lose their defensive shape, limiting spaces brilliantly.

Messi came close to opening the scoring after 21 minutes with a curling free-kick, but the four-time Ballon d'Or winner couldn't put enough of a spin on the ball and watched it fly wide. Petros responded with a driving shot from 30 yards out, but Claudio Bravo punched it wide.

David Ramos/Getty Images

Dani Alves produced a last-ditch tackle to deny Ceballos a golden opportunity at a shock lead before Neymar headed a great chance right at goalkeeper Antonio Adan.

Barcelona struggled breaking down Betis' defence, but they were given a helping hand by the official, who made one of the worst penalty calls of the 2015-16 La Liga season after 27 minutes.

Messi and Adan collided when the latter tried to punch a ball clear, and while the contact looked heavy, there was no way for the stopper to avoid it. Adan clearly reached the ball first, but the official pointed to the spot regardless. The Dirty Tackle's Brooks Peck was outraged:

But things were about to get even worse for the visitors. Neymar slipped during his run up and touched the ball twice during his strike, blasting it against the woodwork, and during the rebound, Heiko Westermann accidentally launched it into his own net.

Per La Liga blogger Rafael Hernandez, the goal shouldn't have stood, as Neymar clearly touched the ball twice:

"

Penalty didn’t exist and Neymar touched the ball twice when he took it, which would invalidate it. Atrocious officiating.

— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) December 30, 2015"

The Betis players were furious with the official, resulting in yellow cards for Petros and Juan Vargas, and with their concentration completely gone, the Catalans took full advantage. A quick counter saw Messi find Neymar with a lovely pass, and the 23-year-old returned the favour, handing Messi a goal on his 500th Barcelona appearance.

Corrigan loved the goal:

Suarez came close to adding a third, rounding Adan before firing a shot at the side netting from a tight angle. Betis did everything possible to avoid conceding another goal before half-time, and the whistle couldn't have come any sooner for the visitors.

The Uruguayan had a dream start to the second half, taking a clever pass from Sergio Busquets and adding to the lead with a smart finish past Adan. Per Corrigan, the goal meant Barcelona had broken Real Madrid's record of goals scored in a calendar year with 179:

Up by three goals, Barcelona could afford to lower the pressure a bit, and Betis started to play some nice football. Francisco Molinero tried his luck with a volley after a great ball from Ceballos, and overall, the visitors didn't struggle much with Barcelona's slower buildup play.

Messi could have scored a second after 61 minutes but saw his shot get deflected for a corner kick before Neymar hit the post after a strong attack from the Catalans. Alfred N'Diaye aimed a header straight into the hands of Bravo before Adan pulled off an incredible save to tip a free-kick from Messi out of harm's way.

Chances were now coming fast, and Dani Alves hit the cross bar with a super chip. Adan continued making an impression, parrying a shot from Neymar. Per OptaJose, that shouldn't come as a surprise:

It was Messi's turn to hit the cross bar next with another free-kick before German Pezzella riffled a tricky volley over Bravo's goal from close range. Another goal seemed inevitable, and it eventually came when Suarez rounded off a lovely passing move from the hosts.

After a slow start, Barcelona shifted gears to end the year on a positive note, showing exactly why they're favourites to repeat as La Liga champions. Health will be key in 2016, as the depth behind the attacking core of Messi, Neymar and Suarez is limited, but as long as those three remain healthy and in form, few clubs will stand a chance of beating this formidable squad.  

Post-Match Reaction

As shared by Corrigan, Messi knows 2015 was an incredible year for the Blaugrana:

Betis coach Pepe Mel had nothing but praise for the Catalans:

Barcelona's next match will be against city rivals Espanyol on Saturday, at the Cornella El-Prat.

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