Barcelona move 11 points clear after Real Betis destruction

Lionel Messi scored twice, as Barcelona hammered Real Betis 5-0 on Sunday night, to move 11 points clear at the top of LaLiga.

Ernesto Valverde’s men found it hard to break down the hosts in a tight first half, which ended goalless.

However, after the break, Ivan Rakitic opened scoring after being sent through on goal by Luis Suarez.

Messi netted the second when Sergio Busquets played him in, before Rakitic crossed for Suarez to slam home the third.

La Liga’s top scorer Messi netted the fourth after a brilliant individual dribble, leaving Betis’ defence in tatters, with Suarez battering in a fifth after Messi set him up.

Barca now have 54 points, with Atletico in second place on 43.