“We have taken the ball away from Betis, which was the key of the match. I am happy with the result and the way we played. We have improved.”
“We are leaders. We are solid on defense. We are working well. Work pays off. We played one of the best games of the season. I am very satisfied.”
Barcelona controlled the game on a chilly night in Sevilla, but were thwarted by goalkeeper Rui Silva, who made three fine saves to deny Pedri.
Betis had a chance on the counter-attack and almost scored through Borja Iglesias and Sergio Canales, whose effort was blocked by Jules Counde.
It took 65 minutes for Barca to break the deadlock and Rafinha tapped home from close range, a goal that started thanks to a moment of opportunism from Frankie de Jong.