Barcelona had to respond to Real and save what can still be saved in Primera, but even the duel with Betis was not as easy as the final score (4:2) suggests.
Namely, Barca already had a two-goal advantage after 12 minutes (scorers Xavi and Messi), and then they allowed Betis to have a draw in their pocket by the 52nd minute.
Nevertheless, the preliminary game for the duels with Real in the King's Cup has been made, the finish went to Pep Guardiola's team, so now the difference compared to Real is five points again.
The saviors of "Blaugrana" were Alexis Sanchez and Messi, who set the final score from the penalty spot.
"It wasn't easy, but we were only interested in three points. We have tough games ahead of us in the coming period and we have to be much better in them than against Betis," said Guardiola.
And the fact that Barca is not exactly in top form is also shown by the fact that they finally conceded a goal against the team from Sevilla at the "Nou Camp" - the first time since April last year when Almeria shook the net.
"And that had to happen. However, we are not burdened with records. We are focused on the next games," said Guardiola.
Atletico Madrid easily defeated Villarreal (3:0) in a game that will be remembered for Diego Simeone's return to the Calderon, while Athletic Bilbao swept Levante 3:0.
Malaga faltered again - this time on the road in Gijon (2:1).
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