Real Betis 2-2 Barcelona

By Robert Summerscales, Reporter | 12 May 2012

Seydou Keita strikes in the final minute of stoppage time to earn 10-man Barcelona a point after a second-half brace from Ruben Castro.

Seydou Keita rescued a point for 10-man Barcelona in stoppage time against Real Betis at Estadio Benito Villamarin.

Pep Guardiola's men took the lead in a very atypical fashion on nine minutes, as Sergio Busquets powerfully headed home from Xavi's floated corner. It was the 23-year-old's first La Liga goal of the season.

The visitors dominated the rest of the first half and should have extended their lead, but Lionel Messi, Xavi and Keita all wasted decent half chances.

Eight minutes into the second half Dani Alves was shown a second yellow card for an ugly tackle on Jefferson Montero.

The Brazilian's dismissal boosted Betis and they began to create good attacking opportunities, Gerard Pique cleared off the line to prevent a Victor Valdes own goal moments later.

Betis equalised in the 71st minute as a Roque Santa Cruz flick-on sent Ruben Castro clean through. The 30-year-old remained calm and beat Valdes with a sumptuous lob.

The turnaround was complete just three minutes later as Benat provided the pass and Castro stroked the ball home for his second of the game from 20 yards.

It had seemed as though Barcelona were heading for their fourth La Liga defeat of the season when Messi struck the post with a terrific 30-yard free kick in stoppage time.

However seconds later, Martin Montoya swung in a deep right-footed cross and Keita displayed superb determination to nod the ball over the line from eight yards.