Barcelona's home league campaign came to an end with a 3-1 home win over Real Betis at the Spotify Camp Nou. From beginning to end, it was Raphinha's night. Two goals, persistent threat, and the display to remind us why he is Barcelona's greatest weapon.
Three things we learned from the match against Real Betis
1. Raphinha is ending the season as Barca's star man
There was a stage this season when his form was patchy, and questions were being asked as to whether Flick could consistently bring the best out of him. His repeated injuries even further worsened his case.
Tonight ended that discussion. A brace, a free kick of genuine quality, and a performance which pinnied back the Betis backline. He ends the home campaign with 13 goals in La Liga and a performance that surely has to be discussed among Barca's best individual performances this season.
2. Cancelo's attacking contribution has been massively underrated this season
The goal was the headline, but it came as no surprise. Cancelo has been one of Barca's most consistent attacking threats this campaign. His late runs to join shooting situations and his wide deliveries provide Flick with a different attacking dimension on this side compared to Balde and Martin on the left.
His future is still up in the air this summer and tonight was a reminder of what letting him go will mean.
3. Lewandowski deserved a better finale, but the reception spoke volumes
He arrived when Barca were in dire straits and no striker of his ability was willing to come. He gave four seasons, 119 goals and three league titles. He didn't score tonight. It didn't matter. The culers at the Camp Nou, and their reception were his final assessment. That's legacy.
Barca end the season at home in La Liga with an incredible 19 wins out of 19 games at the Spotify Camp Nou; they become the first team in a 20-team La Liga to go an entire home season unbeaten. 3-1 to the home side and fully deserved.
The night though will live longer than the points, for reasons beyond the game itself.
