Barcelona vs Real Betis LIVE - Lionel Messi scores twice but Barca slump to thrilling 4-3 defeat
Follow live coverage of the La Liga clash
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Your support makes all the difference.Lionel Messi makes his first appearance for FC Barcelona since injuring his arm against Sevilla in October.
Barcelona are looking to extend their lead at the top of the table and can create a four point gap between them and Atletico Madrid with a win against Real Betis.
The Catalonian side were denied a slim victory against Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday when Malcom’s 83rd minute strike was levelled by Mauro Icardi four minutes later.
Follow live updates below:
When is it?
Barcelona vs Real Betis begins at 15:15 GMT at the Camp Nou
How to watch
Eleven Sports will be showing live coverage on Eleven Sports 1
Odds
Barcelona to win: 1/5
Real Betis to win: 12/1
Draw: 6/1
Prediction
Barcelona 2-0 Real Betis
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of Barcelona vs Real Betis in La Liga.
We'll be bringing you updates and goals as they fly in at the Nou Camp.
TEAM NEWS
Lionel Messi makes his return for Barcelona following his lay-off through injury.
Messi's inclusion is one of two changes from the team who drew 1-1 away to Inter Milan on Tuesday in the Champions League. He comes in for Philippe Coutinho, whilst Malcolm replaces Ousmane Dembele.
The players are out on the pitch now shaking hands, and Lionel Messi has the captain's armband on once again.
Barcelona can stretch their lead at the top of the table to four points with a win, whilst Betis, currently in 15th place, can climb up to 11th with a win.
1 minute
Barcelona are already on the attack, with Malcolm finding Messi in the box but the Argentine scuffs his shot.
3 minutes
Real Betis are boldly trying to play out from the back early on, and are struggling to get out of their half as Barcelona press high.
4 minutes
Giovani Lo Celso finds some space down the left for Betis, but his dangerous cross is well blocked by Gerard Pique. Barca clear from the resulting corner.
6 minutes
Betis' Lo Celso is again the architect and it's a great chance for Joaquin, but his volley blazes over with the goal gaping.
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