LaLiga 2018-19, Barcelona 3-4 Real Betis: 6 reasons why Barcelona lost the match

#5 Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s uncharacteristic mistake

Ter Stegen made an uncharacteristic error against Real Betis

Ter Stegen has been one of the most consistent performers for Barcelona since his 2014 transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach.

And after initially struggling to nail down a first-team spot has gone on to not only establish himself as the club’s first choice between the sticks but also unarguably one of the very best goalkeepers in the business at the moment.

He is widely revered for his shot-stopping abilities, while his technique and distribution with the ball at his feet is a critical component to the operation of Barcelona on the field of play.

His consistency in goal for Barcelona has led to widespread calls for him to displace Manuel Neuer as the No.1 for Germany, and coach Joachim Low came in for heavy criticism over his decision to start Neuer over the 26-year-old at the World Cup.

Against Betis, Ter Stegen was powerless to stop the first two goals, as he was let down by his defenders in front of him, but the third by Lo Celso is one which the Blaugrana goalie would not want to see again.

Barcelona had just pulled one back on 68 minutes after Lionel Messi converted from the penalty spot to half the deficit.

But just three minutes later, Lo Celso struck a speculative shot from outside the area which he himself would have expected Ter Stegen to save.

But the German international somehow managed to fluff his lines, deflecting the ball into the back of his net to make the scoreline 3-1 for Real Betis.

As at the time of Real Betis’ third goal, Barcelona had swung the momentum in their favour, and rattled their hosts, but the normally reliant Ter Stegen conspired to give his team a punch in the gut with his uncharacteristic error, which left Barcelona with a mountain to climb.