Betis 1 - Barcelona 4

Betis: Doblas; Varela, Juanito, Rivas (Israel 72'), Oscar López; Marcos Assunçao, Miguel Angel; Joaquín, Rivera, Fernando (Xisco 69'); Oliveira. 4-2-3-1.
Barcelona: Víctor Valdés; Belletti, Oleguer, Puyol, Sylvinho; Xavi, Edmilson (Iniesta 46'), Van Bommel; Giuly (Ezquerro 69'), Eto'o, Larsson (Maxi López 76'). 4-3-3.

Team changes: Betis: Fernando for Xisco / Barça: Belletti, Sylvinho, Van Bommel, Larsson for Gio Van Bronckhorst, Márquez, Deco, Ronaldinho.

Goals:
0-1. 20. Van Bommel. Got above defence to head Xavi free kick wide of Doblas.
1-1. 38. Juanito. Headed Marcos Assunçao free kick down past Víctor Valdés.
1-2. 59. Eto'o. Picked up pass from Iniesta and fired shot into top corner of net.
1-3. 77. Eto'o. Shot low past keeper after Ezquerro and Maxi set him up.
1-4. 89. Ezquerro. Picked up ball after Maxi tackled and shot wide of Doblas.

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard took the brave step of resting Ronaldinho and Deco for this match. Rijkaard's gamble paid off as his team comfortably overcame Betis and his star duo will be fresh for the midweek game against the Italians of Udinese.

The Catalans started in positive fashion and were given an early penalty after Larsson was fouled in the area. But Eto'o struck the outside of the post with the kick. Betis had their own penalty claim minutes later when Joaquín went tumbling but there appeared to be little contact.

Before Barça took the lead Valdés needed to be alert to save from Assunçao. Barça's next attack saw Van Bommel rise above the Betis defence to head Xavi's free kick past Toni. The challenge facing Betis became a tall order when Oliveira was sent off in mysterious circumstances shortly after the opening goal. As Wayne Rooney also found out recently referees don't appreciate sarcasm.

Eto'o and Larsson looked in the mood to kill off Betis quickly. Eto'o left the defence in his wake but Toni's block denied the Cameroon star. Larsson was then sent clear but failed to control the through pass. The ex-Celtic man then headed his next chance just over.

Betis were not lying down just yet and the ten men equalised when Juanito nodded in a cross from Assunçao. Rijkaard must have been wondering if his decision to leave out star players was going to backfire. But the Betis tank was running on empty second half as the extra man told. It was to become a stroll by the Guadalquivir for Barcelona.

Larsson was making the best of his rare starting place and on 55 minutes he set up Van Bommel with a great flick. Betis meanwhile, had their goalkeeper to thank for keeping the score down. Toni blocked the Dutchman's drive on this occasion. Van Bommel returned the compliment, setting up Larsson, but the Swede went down rather easily in the box instead of shooting.

There was no doubt about Eto'o's emphatic finish just before the hour. Iniesta, who had replaced Edmilson at half time, found the African hotshot free in the left of the penalty area and his accurate strike fizzed past Toni at his near post.

It was now almost a procession towards the Betis goal with Víctor Valdés a virtual spectator at the other end. There were further chances for Eto'o and Larsson before the Swede made way for Maxi Lopez. Another Barça sub, Ezquerro, was to make a strong impression late in the game. Maxi tried to control an Ezquerro cross but the ever alert Eto'o got there first to make it 3-1. Ezquerro scored in the final minute to complete a satisfying night for the Catalan side.