Subdued Catalans beat Betis

– Barcelona got off to a winning start in La Liga on Sunday, beating Real Betis 2-0 in a subdued atmosphere at the Nou Camp after the deadly attacks in the Catalan capital and the town of Cambrils.

Rivals Real Madrid began their pursuit of backto-back league titles for the first time since 2008 with a 3-0 win at Deportivo La Coruna with goals from Gareth Bale, Casemiro and Toni Kroos, although captain Sergio Ramos was sent off, earning a 23rd career red card.

Ramos, who has never been sent off in 143 games for his country, picked up a second yellow card in injury time, joining Pablo Alfaro and Xavi Aguado on a La Liga record of 18 red cards.

Betis defender Alin Tosca diverted a cross from Gerard Deulofeu into his own net to put Barca ahead in the 36th minute, while the former Everton forward, who returned to his boyhood club this summer, also laid on the pass for the second goal by Sergi Roberto in the 39th minute.

Lionel Messi was the fulcrum of most of Barca’s creativity and more responsibility was placed on his shoulders due to the absence of Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta.

But the Argentine was denied a goal, hitting the woodwork three times.

There was a solemn feeling at the Nou Camp during the game with only 56 480 fans at the 99 000-capacity arena. The club granted fans’ requests to return tickets in the wake of Thursday’s attacks, which killed 14 people and injured more than 100. –