Barcelona 3-1 Real Betis

Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona maintained their Spanish league title challenge with an unconvincing home win against bottom side Real Betis.

Messi put Barca ahead from the penalty spot after Alexis Sanchez was fouled by Betis defender Jordi.

Barca doubled their lead when Jordi diverted Sanchez's intended pass to Pedro past his own goalkeeper Adan.

Betis responded inside a minute through Ruben Castro before Messi converted after Adan saved his second spot-kick.

The final whistle at the Nou Camp was greeted with a sense of relief by the home supporters after a tumultuous week for the reigning La Liga champions.

The Catalan club's reputation had taken another blow after they were given a 14-month transfer ban - which they have appealed against - by Fifa.

But, back on the pitch, they moved back to within a point of leaders Atletico Madrid, who clinched a narrow 1-0 home win against Villarreal earlier on Saturday.

Third-placed Real Madrid remain two points behind Barca with a 4-0 win at Real Sociedad. later on Saturday.