BARCELONA: Not even two goals by Lionel Messi could save Barcelona from their first La Liga home defeat in more than two years on Sunday when Real Betis pulled off a stunning 4-3 victory at Camp Nou.

Barca last endured a league defeat at the Camp Nou against Alaves in September 2016 but, following 42 games unbeaten, their run was ended by a brilliant, counter-attacking display from Betis.

Three hours later, Real Madrid were putting the finishing touches to a 4-2 win away at Celta Vigo, a result that saw Santiago Solari appointed permanent coach on Monday.

Real have now posted four consecutive victories since Solari was put in temporary charge while the gap behind Barca has been reduced to four points.

Barca’s shock defeat came despite a return for Messi, who scored a second-half penalty, set up substitute Arturo Vidal to reduce the deficit to 3-2, and added a final goal for the hosts late in stoppage time.

But Betis led 2-0 at halftime thanks to opening goals by Junior Firpo and Joaquin Sanchez. Giovani Lo Celso and substitute Sergio Canales then responded to Messi’s spot kick and Vidal’s goal, respectively, to keep Betis comfortably in front.

Barca were left with 10 men in the 82nd minute when Ivan Rakitic earned a second booking for a hard tackle on Lo Celso.

“We don’t leave with the feeling Betis were the better team,” coach Ernesto Valverde said. “I don’t want to take any credit away from our opponent but we could have countered them better.”

It was the first time ever that Messi scored twice and Barcelona lost, but they stay top of the table, even if three clubs now lurk just one point behind.

Atletico Madrid, whom they face at the Wanda Metropolitano after the international break, Sevilla and Alaves lead the chasing pack.

Alaves beat Huesca 2-1 earlier on Sunday, while Sevilla won by the same scoreline at home to Espanyol, Wissam Ben Yedder prodding in an 89th-minute winner.

Betis’ reward for beating Barca is to climb to 12th.

Real’s win was more straightforward as Karim Benzema opened the scoring, a sublime touch and turn making space for a crisp finish into the corner.

Real then got an own-goal by Gustavo Cabral, a penalty by Sergio Ramos and a late goal by substitute Dani Ceballos. Hugo Mallo and Brais Mendez scored for Celta, who never seriously threatened to equalise.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2018