USMNT's Johnny Cardoso delivers crucial performance as Real Betis hold league leaders to FC Barcelona to 1-1 draw

U.S. international Johnny Cardoso put in a solid 79-minute shift for Real Betis before being forced off due to injury, contributing significantly to his team's 1-1 draw against league leaders Barcelona.

Cardoso's defensive work and positioning were crucial in containing Barcelona's midfield, particularly in the first half. The American midfielder put in an impressive shift, finishing with the second most touches (35) from a midfielder in a Betis shirt, joint-most tackles (three), joint-most interceptions (two), and joint-most aerial duels (three) across both teams, until he was eventually substituted in the 79th minute due to an apparent injury.

Real Betis' draw against Barcelona keeps them in the hunt for European qualification as they currently sit fifth in the La Liga table. Gavi opened the scoring for Barcelona in the seventh minute, but Betis quickly equalized through Natan 10 minutes later. The Los Verdiblancos were then put under a ton of pressure, but some good defending and some poor finishing from Barcelona saw the game end 1-1. The result leaves Barcelona five points behind league leaders Real Madrid, while Betis remain in contention for a Europa League spot.

Cardoso has been a key part of Real Betis’ side this season, playing in all but two league games when fit, contributing to three goals as a defensive midfielder for the club. The USMNT midfielder has spent a year at the club since signing for International in January 2024, making 54 appearances for them since.

Following their hard-fought draw against Barcelona, Real Betis sit fifth on the league table and are back in the fight for a place in Europe next season. They face Jagiellonia Białystok next in the first leg of their Europa League quarterfinal on April 10 and then host sixth-place Villarreal at the Villamarin Stadium on April 12.