Messi pulled Barca back into the game by converting a penalty midway through the second half but Betis restored their two-goal cushion through Giovani Lo Celso with the help of an uncharacteristic error from Barca's usually reliable goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen who fumbled the shot into the net. Messi scored from close range in stoppage time but Betis hung on to clinch a first league win at the Nou Camp since 1998. The defeat leaves Barca on 24 points after 12 games, one ahead of nearest challengers Atletico Madrid in second -- who are also their next opponents -- and Alaves in third. The Argentinian came close to scoring in the opening minute but failed to properly connect with the ball and Betis quickly asserted themselves, seriously challenging Barcelona for ball possession, the rarest of sights for opponents at the Nou Camp. Barca coach Ernesto Valverde took off midfielder Arthur for Vidal at the start of the second half to give his side more dynamism but they continued to leak chances and Betis showed no remorse.

Source: bd News24 November 11, 2018 17:15 UTC