Barcelona survived a scare to beat Real Betis 4-2 at the Camp Nou and keep in touch with leaders Real Madrid with goals by Alexis Sanchez and a brace by Lionel Messi proving decisive.
The Spanish and European champions got off to a rip-roaring start and were 2-0 up by the 15th minute through Xavi and Messi before being pegged back by a super-determined Betis side.
When Roque Santa Cruz grabbed a 52nd minute equaliser the prospect of falling seven points behind Real Madrid looked likely but Alexis Sanchez’s right foot shot restored the lead before a Lionel Messi penalty sealed a 4-2 win.
Barca thus remain second in La Liga on 41 points – five behind leaders Real Madrid.
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