Alfonso gonzalez

La Liga: FC Barcelona extended its lead at the top of La Liga to four points over Real Madrid, but missed the chance to give an almost definitive statement in the title race after being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Betis.

Gavi put Barca ahead in the seventh minute after an assist from Ferran Torres, but Natan's powerful header from a 17th-minute corner leveled the score for Betis.

Barcelona controlled most of the ball after the break, but the team playing its fourth game in 10 days lacked its usual sharpness in the Betis penalty area, while Betis also defended well to strengthen its case for a place in next season's Champions League, reports Xinhua.