La Liga: Barcelona’s Koeman backs Griezmann after Real Betis thumping

BARCELONA (92 News) - Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman has backed forward Antoine Griezmann to give match winning performances in the future following his lacklustre performance in the 5-2 win against Real Betis on Saturday.

Barca broke through after 22 minutes when Dembele cut inside onto his left foot before hammering a finish past Claudio Bravo for his first league goal in 13 months.

Mandi conceded a penalty after sliding in on Ansu but Griezmann missed, a tame shot easily saved by Bravo, before Betis scored, Sanabria finishing after Cristian Tello had again surged clear down the left.

Messi came on and four minutes later Barca were ahead, the Argentinian scuttling to meet Jordi Alba’s cross at the front post, only to step over the ball, fooling his marker and the goalkeeper, to leave Griezmann with an open net.

Messi made it 3-1 with a penalty, won after his pass had set up Dembele for a shot that was blocked on the line by the arm of Mandi, who was sent off.

Moron gave Betis hope with 17 minutes left but Messi made sure, latching onto Sergi Roberto’s flick and smashing in his second and Barca’s fourth. Pedri made it five in injury-time.

Koeman has backed the French World Cup to improve on the back of his lacklustre performance in the game.

“I hope he continues to work like he is working,” said Koeman. “To miss opportunities you have to be there. We must highlight his character, to keep working. He knows perfectly well that he has missed a penalty, and some chances, but it means he is always there to score.”

Messi also gave a resounding answer to those suggesting his performances this season have been evidence of decline.

“Leo finished the match against Kiev with some problems,” said Koeman. “He wasn’t in a position to play in the first half but we talked about him being on the bench and said he would come on if he felt good. He’s a player who in principle always plays, but today he didn’t because of some minor problems.”

On the other hand, Atletico Madrid jumped to the top of La Liga on Saturday with a 4-0 thrashing of Cadiz

Atletico claimed first place, ahead of Real Sociedad on goal difference, with the excellent Joao Felix scoring twice in another impressive victory for Diego Simeone’s side.

Luis Suarez and Marcos Llorente were also on target as Atletico made it five wins and two draws from their opening seven games and underlined their status as genuine title contenders.

They have scored 17 goals and conceded just two in that time.

After the international break, Atleti play at home to Barcelona, when Suarez and Antoine Griezmann will be up against their former clubs.

Sevilla later beat Osasuna 1-0 thanks to a penalty from Lucas Ocampos, that moves them up to 11th.

It is only the second time Sevilla have managed back-to-back wins this season, after a 3-2 victory over Krasnodar on Wednesday in the Champions League.