Barcelona 4-2 Real Betis – Match Highlights (La Liga)

A Lionel Messi double and goals from Xavi and Alexis Sanchez gave Barcelona a 4-2 win over Real Betis at Camp Nou on Sunday evening, as Pep Guardiola’s side narrowed the gap to league leaders Real Madrid to five points.

Xavi and Messi both struck inside the opening 12 minutes to stun the visitors, but a rousing response from Pepe Mel’s team saw them pull one back before half time through Ruben Castro.

Shortly after the interval half-time substitute Roque Santa Cruz equalised with a superb shot, but Barca’s increased pressure first saw Betis reduced to ten men when defender Mario was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Sanchez then scored with 15 minutes remaining before Messi added his second of the evening from the penalty spot just before full time, adding a gloss to the scoreline which belie the problems that the away side had caused Barcelona at various stages throughout the game.