FULL-TIME, Real Betis 2-2 Barcelona (2-4 pens): Barça are through thanks to Ter Stegen, who shined in the shootout and saved two penalties. Pedri scored the last for Barça, who are through and will play Real Madrid for the title on Sunday.
PENALTY SHOOTOUT: BARCELONA WIN 4-2 ON PENALTIES!
FULL-TIME, Real Betis 2-2 Barcelona (AET): After an exciting bonus period, we are going to a penalty shootout. Oh dear.
118’ RED CARD! Guardado is sent off for Betis after receiving two yellow cards in extra-time and Betis will be down to 10 for the final seconds of the bonus period.
GOAL, Real Betis 2-2 Barcelona (Loren 101’): Betis equalize. Luiz Henrique plays a one-two inside the box and squares it to Loren Morón who scores a nice backheel through the legs of Ronald Araujo to make it 2-2.
GOLAZO!!! Real Betis 1-2 Barcelona (Fati 93’): BARÇA RETAKE THE LEAD!!! Marcos Alonso sends a free-kick into the box, William Carvalho heads it into the edge of the box and Ansu Fati fires a SPECTACULAR volley with his left foot to find the corner and put the Blaugrana ahead! WHAT A GOAL!!!
EXTRA-TIME KICKOFF! Real Betis 1-1 Barcelona: We’re underway for the bonus period.
FULL-TIME, Real Betis 1-1 Barcelona: And we’re going to extra-time. Unfortunately.
81’ GOAL DISALLOWED! Lewandowski gets his second of the night and makes it 2-1 for Barça, but Ferran Torres was offside in the buildup and Barça have a second goal ruled out on the night.
GOAL, Real Betis 1-1 Barcelona (Fekir 77’): Betis equalize. Barça can’t clear their lines at the edge of the box and the ball finds Nabil Fekir all alone at the far post and the Frenchman fires it home.
SECOND HALF KICKOFF! Real Betis 0-1 Barcelona: Back underway in Riyadh!
HALFTIME, Real Betis 0-1 Barcelona: Barça started well but struggled with the final ball, and Betis had little possession but were a threat pretty much every time they attacked and forced Marc-André ter Stegen into some big saves. But Barça go into the break with the lead, and the second half promises to be fun.
GOAL!!! Real Betis 0-1 Barcelona (Lewandowski 40’): THIS ONE COUNTS!!! Barça go on a fast counter-attack as Pedri sends a long ball towards Ousmane Dembélé who beats Ruibal and finds Lewandowski in the box, and after his first shot is blocked by Luiz Pelipe the ball finds the Pole again and he finally finds the net!
23’ GOAL DISALLOWED! Barça take the lead with a very nice volley by Pedri inside the box, but Raphinha was slightly offside in the buildup and the goal is called off by VAR.
KICKOFF! Real Betis 0-0 Barcelona: And we’re underway in Riyadh!
WELCOME TO THE KING FAHD STADIUM!!! This beautiful arena in the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is the site of the 2023 Spanish Super Cup, and they host the second semi-final between Real Betis and Barcelona, who come into this one looking for their first trophy of the season. The Blaugrana could set up a massive El Clásico against Real Madrid for the title, but first they have to get past an excellent Betis side that is motivated and hungry for a trophy of their own. This should be fun, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. Vamos!
(Note: the comments will be open only when the team news come out, because our commenter people love commenting and sometimes there are too many comments in the comments section)
LINEUPS
BARCELONA
Starting XI: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Kounde, Araujo, Alba; Gavi, De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Dembélé (4-3-3)
Substitutes: Peña (GK), Tenas (GK), Christensen, Eric, Alonso, Balde, Busquets, Kessie, Ferran, Fati, Memphis
REAL BETIS
Starting XI: Bravo; Ruibal, Pezzella, Felipe, Miranda; Rodríguez, Canales; Henrique, Rodri, Fekir; Iglesias (4-2-3-1)
Substitutes: Silva (GK), Martín (GK), González, Ruiz, Sabaly, Montoya, Carvalho, Akouokou, Guardado, Camarasa, Juanmi, Joaquin, Loren, José
MATCH INFO
Competition/Round: 2023 Spanish Super Cup, Semi-Final 2
Date/Time: Thursday, January 12, 2023, 8pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 7pm GMT (UK), 2pm ET, 11am PT (USA), 12.30am IST (India, Friday)
Venue: King Fahd Stadium, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande
VAR: Ignacio Iglesias Villanueva
HOW TO WATCH
On TV: ESPN2 (USA), BT Sport 2 (UK), Startimes World Football (Nigeria), others
Online: ESPN+ (USA), BTSport.com (UK), others
Matchday Thread Rules
We don’t have a lot of rules here, but there are a few things to keep in mind when joining our matchday threads:
Even if the referee sucks or we lose the game, watch the swearing. It’s just unnecessary. Also, don’t discuss illegal streaming links. Those who do it will be warned, and those who post links will be instantly banned. Finally, be nice to each other. This is a Barcelona community and we don’t need to offend one another.
Have fun with the game! Forever and ever, no matter the competition, VISCA EL BARÇA!