But, as Carles Perez, Jordi Alba and Arturo Vidal made it three, four and five, the gloom was forgotten, along with Nabil Fekir's 15th-minute opener that had Betis level at half-time."We really wanted to play another game and, when so many players are missing, the team stepped up."
Barcelona will hope to have Messi back for the trip to Osasuna this Saturday but, with Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele both out for longer, Griezmann's display was timely."I have to admit it was a really important day for Griezmann given the absentees we had," Valverde said. "For us, it's fundamental to have players who can clock up goals and the fact Griezmann debuted at the Nou Camp and scored is great news.""I was pleased with how we did in the first half but, when you go behind, you always think that there's stuff to change.
Barcelona stay behind Atletico, who maintained their perfect start with another 1-0 win, this time over Leganes as Vitolo came off the bench to score a second-half winner.