Barcelona expand lead after crushing Real Betis 4-1

FC Barcelona expanded their lead at the top of the Spanish La Liga table to five points as they thrashed bottom club Real Betis 4-1 Sunday.

Goals from Neymar, Pedro Rodriguez and two strikes from Cesc Fabrigas gave the Catalans a convincing win away in Betis who got a last minute consolation goal from the penalty spot from Jorge Molina, reported Xinhua.

Barca should be grateful to goalkeeper Victor Valdes who pulled off a couple of exceptional saves before they found the net of home team, but the Spanish giants paid a price for the triumph when Leo Messi had to be replaced by Andres Iniesta after just 23 minutes.

Messi suffered a hamstring injury in his left leg, just five games after overcoming his last muscle problem and will need the international break to recover.

Second placed Atletico Madrid lost points in their visit to Villarreal's El Madrigal Stadium with a 1-1 draw against the side, which ranked fourth in the table.

Two own goals decided the game with Mario Gaspar putting the ball past his own keeper to give Atletico the lead after two minutes, while Juanfran Torres leveled the score 11 minutes from time.

Valencia were booed off the pitch after dropping two points at home to Valladolid. Javi Guerra put Valladolid ahead after Ever Banega had missed a penalty for Valencia.

Dorlan Pavon equalised for Valencia after half an hour but Valladolid again went ahead thanks to Alcatraz, but Sofane Feghouli assured the points were shared 15 minutes from time.

Sevilla ended a 22-game run without an away win thanks to a 3-1 triumph over Espanyol. Two goals in 10 minutes from Fabrizio Fazio and Vitolo put the visitors on their way in just nine minutes and Carlos Bacca assured the win just before the hour after Sergio Garcia had pulled a goal back for Espanyol.

Real Madrid enjoyed a comfortable 5-1 win at home to Real Sociedad Saturday in a game that was almost over by halftime as they raced into a 4-0 lead thanks to goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, who opened the score after 12 minutes and netted a 26th minute penalty, Karim Benzema and Sami Khedira.

Athletic Club Bilbao reinforced their position in fifth place after yet another fightback earned them a 2-1 win at home to Levante in San Mames.

Levante looked on course to be the first to take all three points in the new ground when David Barral poked home at the second attempt on 32 minutes.

However, Athletic refused to accept defeat in front of their home fans and led by substitute Mikel Rico produced the sort of brave football their supporters enjoy. Rico volleyed home after 71 minutes and Aritz Aduriz's header seven minutes from time ensured the home win.

Getafe again struggled at home with a 1-1 draw against Elche. Pedro Leon's goal put Getafe ahead, but Yiadom Boakye headed home the equalising goal.

Rayo Vallecano won 2-0 away to Celta Vigo to ensure Celta have not won at home in all the campaign. The win lifts Rayo off the bottom of the table.