Johnny Cardoso had a solid debut performance for Real Betis in their 4-2 LaLiga loss against FC Barcelona this Sunday at the Estadio Villamarín.
The 22-year-old American was included in the Seville club’s starting XI without any prior minutes on the pitch for Betis since signing for the club last December.
— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis) January 21, 2024
Cardoso was very participatory in the Betis midfield, constantly finding spaces to become available for continuous possessions and cutting any forward attempts from the Barcelona attack on the ground or in the air.
The former Internacional man was one of the most accurate players on the pitch despite it being his debut, completing a total of 23 passes out of 24 attempted in the lead up to Betis’ 2-0 comeback in the 59th minute. Isco, as per usual, showed for the verdiblancos with a brace to put the game level.
The USMNT player was substituted in the 73rd minute with a standing ovation from the ecstatic home fans. However, the player’s exit was followed by two late Barcelona goals that sealed the Blaugranas' win and Betis’ heartbreaking loss.
98’ ⏱⚽️ Final del partido
— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis) January 21, 2024
“Today, for different reasons, he was able to debut. I think he did very well for his first game” said Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini.
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Cardoso will be looking to become a regular for the Seville club in their fight to qualify for Europe in the LaLiga table and performances like these will certainly keep him in plenty of starting lineups for what’s left of the campaign.
Johnny Cardoso debut highlights vs. FC Barcelona
Johnny Cardoso debut against Barca - very solid showing #USMNT #DíaDeBetis pic.twitter.com/uqjLM3caBg
— dcfcnetti (@dcfcnetti) January 21, 2024
