Quarterback Messi... and De Jong is here

Antoine Griezmann's sad shot off target was his only appearance at the Benito Villamarin. With such a limp attacking partner, Leo Messi had to multiply himself for Barca to get their goals and beat Real Betis. He was involved in everything. While he's still lacking goals himself he set up three, two from set pieces. In attack Barca would be better with Ansu Fati instead, but his age and a knee issue mean that he was given a break. If today was a final, Ansu would play and not Griezmann.

Barca under Quique Setien are a group with new purpose, limited in attack and more in defence, but the spirit is there. Before they were an apathetic Barca, now they have a soul. Let's see how far they can get with it.

DE JONG APPEARS

Barcelona discovered the player they bought from Ajax in Seville. The Dutchman, who scored the first goal, was at a great level. Now we see him, the man Barca wanted. Box to box, and dangerous in attack, good at breaking lines, hardworking in winning balls back, De Jong adds all over. In Seville he found his best self.