Barcelona vs. Real Betis: Score and Reaction from 2016 La Liga Match

Reigning champions Barcelona cruised to a win on the opening matchday of the 2016-17 La Liga season, beating Real Betis 6-2 at the Camp Nou. Luis Suarez notched a hat-trick in the win.

Arda Turan gave the Catalans an early lead, but Ruben Castro shocked the Camp Nou by equalising with a fine free-kick. Lionel Messi and Suarez restored order before half-time, however, and the Uruguayan doubled his tally after the break.

Messi added a fifth after 57 minutes, and the match petered out after that. There was still time for a sixth goal, however, as Suarez completed his hat-trick, and Castro also bagged another consolation goal late.

As shared by Sport’s Sam Marsden, Barcelona were missing a whole host of key contributors:

Barça begin the season without Ter Stegen, Mathieu, Mascherano (injured), Gomes (suspended), Neymar and Rafinha (Olympics).

— Sam Marsden (@samuelmarsden) August 20, 2016

Barcelona started the season the way they were expected to, pushing up the pitch in search of a goal early. Ivan Rakitic sprang Suarez with a wonderful ball over the top after just three minutes, but the striker’s touch failed him, and he couldn’t challenge goalkeeper Antonio Adan.

Betis tried to play with the champions, but after just six minutes, they suffered their first setback. Messi picked out Jordi Alba, who played a fine cross into the path of Turan, and the Turk didn’t miss.

Bleacher Report UK’s Karl Matchett thought that didn’t take long:

Less than six minutes on the clock and Barcelona have their first goal of the season. Arda Turan!

— Karl Matchett (@karlmatchett) August 20, 2016

Unsurprisingly, the early deficit caused a real dent in Betis’ confidence, and the team became very sloppy in possession. Barcelona gladly took advantage, and a major blowout appeared to be on the cards after 10 minutes.

Messi almost picked out Suarez with a through ball, with …

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