Barcelona lost crucial points at home against Real Betis.

Barcelona suffered a 1-1 draw against Real Betis at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, leaving them dissatisfied.

Following great Madrid's important fall in a 2-1 home loss to Valencia, Barça had a great chance to take a commanding lead at the top of the La Liga table with only eight games remaining after the weekend.

Hansi Flick's side got off to a great start in front of their home fans, with Gavi scoring after just seven minutes against a club he had previously played for at youth level.

But Betis drew parity just ten minutes later, thanks to a bullet header from Brazilian defender Natan, who did excellently to meet Giovani Lo Celso's corner.

Catalunya, like Madrid, saw the home side seem significantly superior to the two teams on show, but despite their advantage, Barça failed to reclaim the lead before halftime.

It was much of the same from Barcelona after the break, with Manuel Pellegrini's Verdiblancos struggling to generate much while Barça turned the screw again.

Lamine Yamal almost scored for Barcelona in the 88th minute, but Betis blocked his effort after Fermín López's ball was parried by Adrián.

With that triumph, Barcelona extends their lead at the top to four points over their bitter rivals, but they have left just enough room for improvement as the season continues.

Betis will consider themselves fortunate to have earned a point on their travels, and they will pray that Villarreal loses at home to Athletic Club this Sunday.

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