Barcelona conceded at home for the first time this La Liga season as they defeated Real Betis 4-2 on Sunday.
The hosts took a two-goal lead early in the match at Camp Nou thanks to strikes from Xavi Hernandez and Lionel Messi.
The first arrived after just nine minutes, when Isaac Cuenca played a clever through-ball for Cesc Fabregas from the edge of the 18-yard box.
Former Arsenal man Fabregas hit the post with his shot, but his Spain international team-mate Xavi made no mistake, slotting the ball home on the rebound.
Two minutes later, Alexis Sanchez worked his way up the left flank, and sent in a looping cross for Messi, who tapped beyond Betis goalkeeper Casto Espinosa.
The promoted visitors might have been expected to crumble after going behind so early, but instead they managed what no other team had done in the league so far this season – breaching the champions’ defence in front of their own fans.
In the 32nd minute, Jorge Molina found Salvo Sevilla on the edge of the box.
Midfielder Sevilla hit a weak effort toward goal but Ruben Castro redirected beyond Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes to bring his side back into the game.
In the second half, Betis rose to the challenge, continuing to outplay their opponents and managing to equalise.
On a rapid counterattack, substitute Roque Santa Cruz found Molina on the left.
The quick forward advanced up the flank and returned the ball to Santa Cruz, who unleashed a shot from outside the box, beating Valdes for a second time.
Barcelona upped their temp in response and, to their credit, Betis initially withstood the onslaught.
But in the 70th minute defender Mario received his marching orders for a second yellow card.
Barca capitalised on the man advantage five minutes later, as Chile international Sanchez struck a weak effort from outside the box, enough to beat Casto and make it 3-2 to Barca.
Soon after, Jose Dorado was punished for a handball in his own box, with Messi converting the resulting penalty.
The win sees second-placed Barca stay four points back from league leaders Real Madrid, while Betis are 11th.
In other matches, a brace from Radamel Falcao helped Atletico Madrid defeat Villarreal 3-0 at home.
Two penalties from Christian Stuani were enough for Racing Santander to win 2-0 away to Osasuna.
Fernando Amorebieta and Fernando Llorente scored in the first half as Athletic Bilbao beat 10-man Levante 3-0 at home.
And Oscar Trejo’s 92nd-minute winner earned Sporting Gijon a dramatic 2-1 win at home Malaga.
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