Messi is able to carry on and within moments of coming back on he makes it 2-0 on his landmark appearance after sliding home from close range. Barca in total control.

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Huge concern for Barcelona as Lionel Messi goes down heavily while trying to meet a cross but collides with keeper Antonio Adan. Messi is down for several moments before walking off slowly for treatment. It looks unintentional but the referee has pointed to the spot. Betis' players are furious.

At last this game is coming to life. Chances at both ends. First Lionel Messi is just wide with a trademark free-kick before 19-year-old Dani Ceballos wriggles free from Dani Alves and looks to go all the way before Alves makes up with a last-ditch tackle.

Early change for Betis as defender Bruno Gonzalez is forced off with an injury. Argentine German Pezzella is on.

An unconvincing punch from Claudio Bravo following a Betis corner. A slow start by the European champions. Has that trip to Japan left them jaded?

Neymar is more interested in winding up his opponents than scoring. He's been involved in three spats already and is lucky to be still on the pitch. His latest argument is with Francisco Molinero.

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It's not been a thrilling start. Far from it. Barca have settled quickly but they haven't created a serious opening. Signs the home side are stepping it up.

Lionel Messi is on the charge. He's got players to the left and right of him as Betis' defenders back off but he over-hits his pass and the keeper is able to gather. Messi is human after all!

Betis started the day 11th in La Liga but they are without a win in their last three outings. They're certainly no pushovers but it looks like Barca are going to have to show patience. Few chances so far.

Unsurprisingly. it's all Barca. Luis Suarez tries to wiggle free inside the Betis area but runs into a green and white brick wall. This is a tetchy game already...fouls being committed all over the pitch.

What is Neymar doing? The Brazilian is in the wars straight away and moments later he lashes out at a Betis player. Fortunately for Barca, the referee does not see the incident. Ugly start to the game.

Barcelona's final game of a triumphant 2015 is under way.

Image source, AP

Lovely touch by Betis. Their players have formed a guard of honour for their opponents who step out on to the pitch for a team picture with all five of the trophies they have won in 2015. A great picture for the dressing room wall!

Another milestone for Lionel Messi tonight. The Barca star is making his 500th appearance for the club. Messi flew back to Spain on a private jet so he could play after attending an awards ceremony in Dubai. 

Another familiar face for Betis...

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Image source, Getty Images

A treat for Norwich City fans...Ricky van Wolfswinkel starts for Real Betis. That's the same Ricky van Wolfswinkel who scored at Rotherham for the Canaries in a League Cup tie in August. The 26-year-old Dutch forward is on loan at Betis from Carrow Road and now finds himself playing against Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp.

This is how the top of La Liga looks right now:

Atletico Madrid are top with 38 points followed by Real Madrid on 36. Barcelona are third with 35 points but Luis Enrique's side have two games in hand on their rivals.