Barça's hopes fade with draw
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
Article summary
FC Barcelona had two players sent off as a 1-1 draw at Real Betis Balompié ended their faint title hopes.
Article body
Early penalty
Barcelona finished the match with nine men but the match began brightly for them as Javier Saviola gave them a fifth-minute lead. The Argentinian won a penalty after being fouled by Daniel Lembo. He drove his spot-kick at goalkeeper António Prats but crashed the ball into the roof of the net from the rebound.
Valdés dismissed
The game was turned on its head in the 33rd minute when Barcelona keeper Victor Valdés was sent off for shoving Dani in the area and Camp Nou old boy Alfonso converted the penalty to make it 1-1.
Second red card
Both sides had chances to win the game in the second half with Barcelona hitting the post as Betis failed to make their numerical advantage count. The visitors were reduced to nine men in injury time when midfield player Gerard López was dismissed after receiving a second booking.
Fourth place
The result leaves Barcelona in fourth place with 60 points - nine points behind leaders Valencia and seven behind second-placed Madrid with six matches remaining. Betis are eleventh in the table.
