Barcelona spurned the chance to extend its lead at the top of the La Liga standings when it was held at home 1-1 by Real Betis on Saturday, with visiting defender Natan cancelling out Gavi’s early opener.
The draw moves Hansi Flick’s Barca onto 67 points, four ahead of rival Real Madrid, which slumped to a 2-1 defeat at home by Valencia earlier on Saturday, while Betis climbed to fifth on 48 points.
AS IT HAPPENED | BARCELONA VS REAL BETIS HIGHLIGHTS
The host had been given further motivation by Real’s shocking loss and had a great start when Gavi opened the scoring from close range, brilliantly assisted by Ferran Torres seven minutes after kickoff.
However, Natan headed the equaliser from a corner in the 17th minute, and though it dominated, Barca could not find a way past 38-year-old goalkeeper Adrian.