actual madrid beat Almeria 4-2 to chop the distance to 8 issues previous, however Barcelona triumphed to revive their 11 level benefit.
Andreas Christensen, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha struck for Barca at Camp Nou with Guido Rodriguez netting a overdue personal function to spherical off the direction.
Edgar Gonzalez’s early dismissal made it a very easy night time for Xavi Hernandez’s aspect to offer protection to their lead with six video games closing.
With his aspect profitable with ease, Xavi introduced on 15-year-old ahead Lamine Yamal to change into the membership’s youngest ever participant to debut in La Liga.
Betis additionally introduced on veteran Joaquin Sanchez, 41, for his ultimate look at Camp Nou earlier than he retires on the finish of the season, and he was once afforded a status ovation by means of Barcelona supporters.
The Catalans bounced again from a 2-1 defeat by means of Rayo Vallecano in midweek.
“We generated a reaction,” mentioned Xavi. “We improved a lot, it was a very good reaction from the whole team.
“We went 1-0 up and after the purple card, it was once in our favour.”
Xavi brought Christensen into the starting line-up after injury and he made a quick impact upon his return.
Raphinha whipped in a vicious ball which Ronald Araujo narrowly missed but Christensen followed in behind to power a header home.
Betis were set back further when defender Edgar was dismissed for two bookings after half-an-hour.
Lewandowski pounced soon after to net his 19th league goal of the season after Jules Kounde set him up with a low cross.
The Pole, La Liga’s top scorer, reacted after Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema earlier netted a hat-trick to move within one of his tally.
Three minutes later Raphinha struck the third, making a clever run in behind the defense and finishing off Sergio Busquets’ chipped pass.
Xavi brought on Ousmane Dembele with a little over 15 minutes to go, with Camp Nou delighted to see the winger back.
Rodríguez deflected in Ansu Fati’s cross as Barcelona added a fourth goal in the 82nd minute.
Almost 90,000 home supporters were also treated to 15-year-old Yamal’s debut in the final stages, and the winger came close to scoring with a shot repelled by Rui Silva.
“We have been speaking about this at the bench, when I used to be at 15 I believe I used to be taking part in for my group group,” added Raphinha.
“And seeing him come on on this stadium, with some of these folks, is fantastic.”
Benzema climbed to 17 goals in La Liga this season with his treble, now two behind Lewandowski.
(Getty Images)
Benzema netted his treble in the first half and Rodrygo added the fourth early in the second for Madrid, while Lazaro and Lucas Robertone struck for the visitors, 15th.
Almeria coach Rubi made several changes to his regular side, clearly unconvinced his team could take points from the Santiago Bernabeu — the visit of Elche on Tuesday should be more profitable in their survival bid.
Madrid played with freedom in attack during an entertaining game, albeit one low on tension with their hopes of retaining the title minimal.
“In assault the group could be very bad, with the standard of Karim, Vini, Rodrygo, with the ball we play rather well,” coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters.
“There are video games the place the offensive stage seems superb, like nowadays.”
Vinicius Junior teed up Benzema for a tap-in to break the deadlock early on.
Rodrygo’s assist for Benzema’s second goal was one of the highlights of the game, with the forward backhealing the ball to himself to escape Samuel Costa.
“I believe it was once a go to myself, I did not have any place to move, it was once a pleasant go to myself with my heel,” Rodrygo advised DAZN.
The 35-year-old Benzema finished his hat-trick after 42 mins from the penalty spot after Largie Ramazani clumsily fouled Lucas Vazquez.
Benzema’s moves helped him transfer two targets forward of former Madrid attacker Hugo Sanchez to change into the fourth best scorer in La Liga of all time, on 236 targets.
Vinicius made his means into the general levels after taking a knock however Ancelotti mentioned the winger could be have compatibility to play within the Copa del Rey ultimate subsequent weekend.
Bottom aspect Elche survived relegation in the intervening time with a 4–0 win over Rayo Vallecano, who have been lowered to ten males within the first part.