Raphinha scored and assisted, while Robert Lewandowski was among the goals for the second straight game to lift Barcelona past 10-man Real Betis
After a week in which his name continuously popped up in transfer talks, Raphinha looked a player who wanted to fight for his place at the club. The Brazilian had a hand in two goals as Barcelona returned to form with a 4-0 win over Real Betis.
Andreas Christensen opened the scoring for the Blaugrana, meeting Raphinha's cross with a well-taken header. Lewandowski added a second, turning in Jules Kounde's delivery for his 19th league goal of the season.
The decisive third came before half-time, with Raphinha bagging his first goal since early March.
A Guido Rodriguez own goal made it four in a second half of relatively few chances. Still, Xavi's side dominated possession and were able to introduce youngster Lamine Yamal for his first-team debut.
It was a welcome win for a team that has struggled of late. Barcelona have wrapped up La Liga at this point and will want to close out the season in style. This was a performance that suggested they can do just that.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Camp Nou…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (7/10):
Presumably grateful to have a quiet night after being kept busy for a few weeks. Clean sheet number 24 on the year.
Jules Kounde (6/10):
Bagged his third assist of the season with a lovely pass. Still isn't entirely comfortable at right-back.
Ronald Araujo (8/10):
Almost entirely untroubled. Made one excellent tackle to prevent a Betis counter. His distribution is improving with every week.
Andreas Christensen (6/10):
Opened the scoring from a free header – his first goal for the Blaugrana.
Alejandro Balde (6/10):
Went on some exciting forward runs, but lacked defensive discipline at times.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Pedri (7/10):
Got kicked around a bit in the first half. Settled in more after the break and was a far more influential creative presence. Still finding his rhythm.
Sergio Busquets (7/10):
Solid as usual. Lost the ball once or twice.
Frenkie de Jong (7/10):
Graceful on the ball, and composed in possession. A valuable hour from a player still returning to form.
Getty ImagesAttack
Raphinha (8/10):
Showed a bit more in the final third after a frustrating run of form. Assisted Christensen for the first, scored Barca's third. Barcelona's best player on the night.
Robert Lewandowski (8/10):
Scored Barca's second with a lovely finish. Should've had another but hit the post. The goals are coming back.
Gavi (6/10):
Started on the left, looked far more comfortable in a midfield three. Inexplicably avoided a booking.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Marcos Alonso (6/10):
Brought on to play left centre-back to replace the recovering Christensen.
Ansu Fati (6/10):
Given 30 minutes to impress. Almost grabbed an assist with a wonderful pass.
Ousmane Dembele (N/A):
A welcome return from injury after three months out.
Franck Kessie (7/10):
A runout to relieve Pedri.
Lamine Yamal (7/10):
Became Barcelona's youngest-ever debutant at 15. Almost scored. What a night for the teenager.
Xavi (8/10):
Finally had something resembling a full-strength squad at his disposal, and went back to his signature midfield. Worked a charm, as the Blaugrana bagged three before half time. The second half wasn't quite as convincing, but he will take the three points and much-improved showing.