FC Barcelona extended their Spanish La Liga lead to eight points after Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski scored to earn a hard-fought 2-1 win at Real Betis on Wednesday.
Unbeaten in their last 14 matches in all competitions, FC Barcelona are on a four-game winning streak in La Liga.
They have been piling pressure on arch-rivals Real Madrid who are bidding to retain the title.
Barca top the standings with 50 points, eight ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, who have a game in hand and host struggling Valencia on Thursday.
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Real Betis are sixth on 31 points.
“We played a great match,” Barca manager Xavi Hernandez said.
“We have taken the ball away from Real Betis, which was one of the keys to the match. I’m happy with the result and with the way we played. We have improved.
“We are leaders. We are solid in defence. We are working well. The work pays off. We played one of the best games of the season. I am very satisfied.”
FC Barcelona controlled the game on a chilly night in Sevilla, but were foiled by goalkeeper Rui Silva who made three good saves to deny Pedri.
Real Betis had their chances on the counter-attack and almost scored through Borja Iglesias and Sergio Canales whose effort was blocked by Jules Kounde.
It took 65 minutes for Barca to break the deadlock, with Raphinha tapping home from close range.
It was a goal which started thanks to a moment of opportunism from Frankie de Jong.
The Dutchman ran to quickly take a free-kick while the Real Betis players were arguing with the referee.
He passed to Alejandro Balde who set up Raphinha for a simple finish.
LaLiga top goalscorer Lewandowski, returning after a three-game suspension, stroked in from a corner-kick 15 minutes later.
FC Barcelona defender Kounde scored an own goal in the 85th minute as he tried to clear Youssouf Sabaly’s cross with his chest.
But the visitors held on to claim the three points.
Real Betis had William Carvalho sent off after the final whistle for complaining to the referee.(Reuters/NAN)
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