Barcelona are now eight points clear of Real Madrid following their 2-1 win at Real Betis on Wednesday night.

Xavi Hernandez’s men survived a late scare to hold onto a mostly comfortable victory.

Alejandro Balde bombed forward and put in a brilliant cross for Raphael to give Barca the lead.

Robert Lewandowski, who was back from a suspension, made it 2-0 with 10 minutes to go.

But an own goal from Jules Koundé set up a tense end to the game.

Real Madrid will be looking to close the gap on Thursday night when they host Valencia.