FC Barcelona defeated Real Betis 3-1 on Sunday in matchday 37 of La Liga, achieving a historic record of 19 wins in 19 home matches this season. The game was also marked by Robert Lewandowski’s emotional farewell.
With this victory, Barca achieved the unprecedented feat of a perfect home record in a 20-team La Liga season. 19 wins in 19 matches at Camp Nou: an exceptional record that will be etched in the Catalan club’s history.
The Brazilian Raphinha was the main architect of the Catalans’ success with a brace (1-0 and 2-0). Fully recovered from his physical problems, the Brazilian international capitalised on fatal errors from Real Betis to make the difference.
Goalkeeper Alvaro Valles made the first free-kick easier, while Hector Bellerin gifted the second goal to Raphinha with a catastrophic pass straight to the striker. The full-back partially redeemed himself by delivering the cross that led to the 2-1 penalty, converted after a controversial referee intervention on Isco.
Joao Cancelo scored the 3-1 to seal the Catalan victory.
Beyond the scoreline, it was above all the farewell night of Robert Lewandowski that left its mark. The Polish striker leaves Barca after four seasons and played his last match at the Camp Nou.
His teammates tried everything to give him a farewell goal, but the striker could not find the net. Replaced by Marc Bernal to enjoy a standing ovation, Lewandowski left the pitch in tears, overwhelmed by emotion.
FC Barcelona will be back on the pitch next Saturday to face Valencia, while Betis will host Levante in the final matchday of the competition.