Match Report: Real Betis1 - 4 Barcelona - Barcelona move three points clear with comfortable win

Barcelona strengthened their position at the top of La Liga, taking advantage of Atletico Madrid’s slip-up by easing past Real Betis with a 4-1 victory, despite a first-half injury to Lionel Messi.

Diego Simeone’s side drew 1-1 with Villarreal earlier in the day, meaning the champions now sit three points clear at the top of the Spanish league. Goals from Neymar, Pedro and a brace from Cesc Fabregas gave Tata Martino’s men all three points, although the win was tainted by an ankle injury sustained to Messi.

With Sergio Busquets missing through injury and Andres Iniesta on the bench, Barcelona started with Alex Song in the centre of midfield and Martin Montoya at left back.

Real Betis started brightly and could have taken the lead within the opening 20 minutes when Juan Carlos was picked out unmarked at the back post by Alvaro Vadillo. However, Victor Valdes pulled off a remarkable save to stop the header from finding the net.
The hosts continue to press the Catalans with Vadillo and Jose Caro coming close to breaking the deadlock before Messi was withdrawn with an ankle injury picked up in a collision with Nono.
However, Barca struck a hammer blow after 35 minutes when Neymar turned home into an empty net after Cesc Fabregas’ squared pass across the face of goal after being threaded through by Alex Song.
And Martino’s men made it 2-0 just seconds later. Pedro collected the ball deep inside his own half before surging forward, latching on to his own knock-on and curling into the far corner past Guillermo Sara.
Betis picked up after the break where they left off at the end of the first half and threatened the Barcelona goalmouth with a number of shots at Valdes' goal, Nono coming the closest when he struck the post with a drive from the edge of the box.
Neymar passed up a glorious opportunity to extend his side’s lead, setting himself after breaking the offside trap before Sara made two outstanding saves in quick succession.
Barcelona made it 3-0 just after the hour-mark when Fabregas finished off an impressive passing move inside the penalty area, with the visitors breaking the Betis offside trap once again.
Fabregas notched his second of the night after 79 minutes, leaping above two opposition defenders to head past Sara from an Alves cross off the right wing.
With little more than pride to play for as the clock wound down Betis continued to hassle and press Barcelona in possession and substitute Chuli almost caught out Puyol after latching on to a loose backpass. However, Valdes rushed off his line to make a challenge and force the striker wide of goal, where he shot from distance over the bar.
Betis were afforded the opportunity to score a consolation goal deep in stoppage time when Alves brought down Chuli inside the box, with Jorge Molina sending Valdes the wrong way from the spot.