‘They kill matches‘ — Manuel Pellegrini explains how Barcelona convert small openings into decisive blows

FC Barcelona got here out on high towards Actual Betis of their penultimate recreation of the La Liga 2025/26 season, sealing a 3-1 win that appeared comfy on the scoreboard however felt extra contested in phases than the end result suggests.

Whereas the Blaugrana managed giant spells and located the objectives on the proper moments, Betis nonetheless managed to make the sport uncomfortable at completely different phases, particularly after the break, when their construction improved, and so they pushed greater up the pitch.

Talking after the match, as reported by Sports activities WorldManuel Pellegrini was clear in his evaluation of how the sport unfolded and the place it slipped away for his aspect. He mentioned:

“It was a recreation with two very completely different halves. A primary half with little possession through which they may have opened the scoring with a free kick. The remainder of the primary half, they’d extra possession, and within the second, with Isco’s introduction, what we had been doing modified.”

“We had extra of the ball, extra assaults, however we had been unlucky within the two objectives they scored. You possibly can’t give Barça a bonus within the field as a result of they kill matches. Sadly, the rating went towards us, however I actually appreciated what the staff did within the second half.”

Past his staff’s efficiency, Pellegrini additionally spoke about Robert Lewandowski, recalling previous encounters and praising the Barcelona ahead as he reaches the closing phases of his spell in Spain.

“I needed to endure him. We confronted him in that controversial Málaga-Borussia Dortmund tie, which, with VAR, would have had a distinct end result. He has had an excellent profession, and right here in Barcelona, he has proven it along with his objectives. I’m comfortable for the good farewell he obtained, as a result of he absolutely deserved it for what he has finished all through his profession.”

Regardless of the end result, Pellegrini left with a way that his aspect had competed higher than the scoreline signifies, particularly within the second half, even when Barcelona’s effectivity in decisive moments as soon as once more made the distinction.