A Lionel Messi hat-trick helped Barcelona move ten points clear of the La Liga chasing pack after a convincing and ruthless display over Real Betis at the Benito Villamarín Stadium.
Despite a positive start from the hosts, it was the league leaders who struck first when Messi found the top corner with a stunning 20-yard free kick in the 18th minute.
Betis refused to give up on their principles of passing football following Messi's goal, and they created a number of chances, but were made to pay for not taking them right before half time thanks to Messi's devastating finish following a spectacularly smooth one-two with Luis Suarez.