Barcelona Thrash 10-Man Real Betis 5-2 to Extend La Liga Lead

Barcelona strengthened their position at the top of La Liga with a commanding 5-2 victory over 10-man Real Betis on Saturday, moving five points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid.

Teenage winger Lamine Yamal scored a superb goal for Hansi Flick’s side at La Cartuja stadium in Seville, while Rodri, Gabriel Jesus, Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo also found the net as the Spanish champions continued their impressive run of form.

The result set a new Barcelona club record for victories at the start of a league campaign and equalled the all-time record of nine wins, established by Real Madrid in the 1968-69 season. Barcelona have now won all 11 of their matches across competitions.

Betis, who sit third, gave Barcelona a competitive contest despite resting several players, including influential midfielder Isco, ahead of their Champions League meeting with Feyenoord on Wednesday.

Barcelona took the lead in the 10th minute through Yamal, who turned sharply on the edge of the penalty area to evade Facundo Bernal before curling an outstanding shot into the top corner.

However, Barcelona’s defensive weaknesses again became apparent when Betis equalised before the half-hour mark. Pablo Fornals recovered the ball following a corner and delivered a cross that Valentin Gomez headed home after getting ahead of defender Xavi Espart.

Rodri restored Barcelona’s advantage with a header from a corner, but Betis briefly appeared to have drawn level again when Giovani Lo Celso scored spectacularly from distance. The goal was disallowed after Cucho Hernandez was penalised for handball earlier in the move.

Gabriel Jesus extended Barcelona’s lead six minutes into the second half, finishing from Yamal’s cut-back after having another effort ruled out for offside.

Betis responded immediately, with Ez Abde reducing the deficit during a lively spell of attacking play. The hosts’ task then became more difficult when Bernal was sent off for headbutting Yamal. The Barcelona winger was booked for his involvement in the confrontation.

Barcelona capitalised on their numerical advantage when Pau Cubarsi directed the ball across the penalty area for Eric Garcia to score from close range.

The goal marked the eighth time this season that Flick’s free-scoring team had scored at least four goals in a match.

Flick later introduced Brazilian forward Raphinha, who had missed the previous two games through injury, while replacing Yamal to reduce the risk of another booking ahead of next weekend’s Clasico against Real Madrid.

Substitute Dani Olmo completed the scoring with a composed finish from the edge of the penalty area as Barcelona secured another emphatic win.

Barcelona now turn their attention to Tuesday’s Champions League trip to face reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Atletico Madrid kept up the pressure with a late 1-0 victory at Espanyol, remaining five points behind Barcelona. Real Madrid, fourth in the standings, are scheduled to host Sevilla on Sunday.