Soccer-Barcelona held by Betis, miss chance to extend league lead

Soccer Football - LaLiga - FC Barcelona v Real Betis - Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain - April 5, 2025 Real Betis' Aitor Ruibal in action with FC Barcelona's Alejandro Balde REUTERS/Albert Gea

(Reuters) -Barcelona spurned the chance to extend their lead at the top of the LaLiga standings when they were held at home 1-1 by Real Betis on Saturday, with visiting defender Natan cancelling out Gavi's early opener.

The draw moves Hansi Flick's Barca on to 67 points, four ahead of rivals Real Madrid who slumped to a 2-1 defeat at home by Valencia earlier on Saturday, while Betis climbed to fifth on 48 points.