DHAKA: Barcelona kept themselves in front of Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table with a 2-0 win over Real Betis at the Estadio Benito Villamarin on Saturday (APR 30). 

Ivan Rakitic and Luis Suarez scored the goals for the Blaugrana in the second half after Heiko Westermann had been sent off for the hosts in the first half, reports espn. 

The pressure was on Luis Enrique's side after Madrid and Atletico's respective wins against Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano earlier on Saturday. After scoring 14 goals in their past two league wins, Barca's start was far from impressive against Betis, with the opening period almost played at walking pace.

But Westermann's red card towards the end of the first half changed the momentum of the game, allowing the visiting side to spend the majority of the second half camped in the final third. 

The opening goal came courtesy of Rakitic after some horrific Betis defending, with Suarez sealing the points late on although not before missing several chances.

The title race now rolls onto the penultimate round of fixtures, with Barcelona set to host Espanyol in the Catalan derby at Camp Nou. Their task remains the same as ever: win their remaining fixtures and they will win the league.

BDST: 1026 HRS, MAY 1, 2016
SAS/AKA