Jordi Alba’s 93rd-minute volley gave Barcelona an important 2-1 victory away at Real Betis, as the Blaugrana’s sixth consecutive away win secured Champions League football at the Camp Nou for the 19th successive season.Aiming to win at home against their Catalan opponents for the first time since March 2008, Betis were dealt a bad hand to start off with, as goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was forced off through injury against his former club. His replacement Rui Silva was thrown into the action, and made an instant impact to keep the score level by tipping a Ronald Araújo header onto the crossbar. This gave the hosts a strong base to build on, but even at the peak of their first-half attacking prowess, Guido Rodríguez could only hit the post with an effort from the edge of the box.On the other hand, Barça found it difficult to create chances before the break, managing only three attempts. Xavi Hernandez had a plethora of attacking talent to turn to on his bench, but initially kept faith in his starting XI, opting to make no immediate changes after the restart. Eventually he rolled out the changes, which paid dividends as Ansu Fati opened the scoring with a calm finish on the edge of the box with 14 minutes to play, only a minute after coming on.The Blaugrana’s happiness was extremely short-lived, however, as their former player Marc Bartra headed in a swift equaliser from Nabil Fekir’s cross, for his fourth goal contribution against Barcelona in four matches. This set up an electrifying final 10 minutes, as a winner would have big implications for either side.Just as it seemed a hero was unlikely to pop up, two veterans combined, as Dani Alves crossed to Jordi Alba, who thundered in a 93rd-minute volley at the back post to claim all three points at the death. It was heartbreak for the hosts, who remain three points adrift of fourth having played an extra match, though still sit in a commanding position for Europa League qualification for next season.LA LIGA – ROUND 35FridayLevante – Real Sociedad 2-1 (0-0)/Miramon 53, Melero 90 pen – David Silva 66/SaturdayMallorca – Granada 2-6 (1-1)/Sevilla 28, Raillo 58 – Suarez 6, Escudero 46, Puertas 55, Molina 69, 90, Uzuni 78/Ath.Bilbao – Valencia 0-0Cadiz – Elche 3-0 (0-0)/Negredo 80, Sobrino 83, Lozano 90+3/Celta – Alaves 4-0 (2-0)/Galhardo 6, Aspas 34, 66, Navarro 57 og/Betis – Barcelona 1-2 (0-0)/Bartra 79 – Fati 76, Alba 90+4/Sunday15:00: (2.10) Getafe (3.00) Rayo Vallecano (4.10)17:15: (2.40) Villareal (3.25) Sevilla (3.30)19:30: (2.40) Espanyol (3.25) Osasuna (3.30)22:00: (2.10) Atl.Madrid (3.45) Real Madrid (3.50)***odds are subject to change
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