Barcelona vs Real Betis: perfect home season and a Lewandowski farewell

Barcelona head into their final home league match with two things still on the line. They have won all 18 home league games this season, collected 54 points from 54 possible, and can become the first team in a 38-game La Liga season to win all 19 home matches. Sunday is also Robert Lewandowski's final home match at the Spotify Camp Nou as a Barcelona player.

Why this game still matters after the Alaves loss

The Barcelona defeat to Alaves has already closed the door on a 100-point finish, so the focus is narrower now. What remains is the home record, and it is still alive in a way that matters. No team has ever won all 19 home matches in a 38-game La Liga season.

Lewandowski's send-off is the other reason the night carries weight. He announced his departure at the end of the season, and Hansi Flick confirmed that he will start. Flick said it would be "overwhelming to watch him leave the field to a deservingly rousing ovation one last time at the Spotify Camp Nou."

That feels about right. Lewandowski has 13 La Liga goals and 29 appearances this season, useful numbers rather than peak-era output, but still enough to justify a proper farewell if this is his last home game for the club.

Real Betis are not there just to stand still

Real Betis arrive with a real reason to compete. They are fifth in the league, have secured Champions League football for next season, and are unbeaten in the league since 22 March. Their last five league results read W D W D W, which is not the profile of a side arriving for ceremony duty.

That makes the match more than a lap of honour. Barcelona still have the stronger incentive because the home record is within reach, but Betis have enough form to keep the game honest.

There is also a squad question around how hard Hansi Flick pushes his side after the Alaves rotation. Sports Mole reported that he could make wholesale changes, with Joan García, Eric García, Ronald Araújo, Gerard Martín, João Cancelo, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Pablo Gavi and F. Lopez all potential starters. Raphinha is back from suspension, while Frenkie de Jong is a doubt after missing the Alaves trip.

Flick does not need to treat the night like a cup final, but the record is specific enough to justify a strong team. Betis should make sure it stays a proper match, which is probably what Barcelona need before trying to close out the season at home on 19 from 19.