Barcelona have kept the pressure on La Liga leaders Real Madrid with a 4-2 win over Real Betis at the Nou Camp.
Barca made the breakthrough on 10 minutes when Xavi Hernandez was on hand to fire home after Cesc Fabregas's shot had hit the post.
Their lead was doubled two minutes later as Lionel Messi tapped in a simple finish from Alexis Sanchez's cross.
Barca conceded their first La Liga goal at the Nou Camp this season after 30 minutes when Ruben Castro was able to slot in from Salva Sevilla's pass.
It was 2-2 early in the second half when Roque Santa Cruz curled his shot past Victor Valdes in the Barca net.
The hosts should have been awarded a penalty with 20 minutes to go, but the referee booked Andres Iniesta for diving when it looked like the midfielder had been tripped in the area.
Betis were reduced to 10 men shortly after as Mario Abrante picked up his second yellow card for a foul on Messi.
Pep Guardiola's side finally took the lead with 15 minutes to play as Sanchez's shot crept under the goalkeeper.
The win was sealed in the final five minutes as Messi swept home a penalty after Jose Dorado had handled in the area.
Jack Prescott
