Barcelona equal Real Madrid's historic record as Hancko aids crucial Atletico win

Lamine Yamal stole the spotlight at the Estadio La Cartuja, opening the scoring in the 10th minute with a sensational strike into the top corner before setting up Gabriel Jesus after the interval. Valentin Gomez briefly levelled for the hosts in the 27th minute, but Rodri restored Barcelona's advantage before half-time with his maiden goal for the club.

Betis were then denied an equaliser when Giovani Lo Celso's effort was ruled out for handball in the build-up. Jesus extended the lead to 3-1 in the second half, only for Ez Abde to cut the deficit. However, the hosts were soon reduced to ten men when Facundo Bernal was sent off for a headbutt on Yamal. Capitalising on their numerical advantage, Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo struck to seal an emphatic victory for the visitors.

Barcelona have now racked up an astonishing 39 goals in their opening nine league fixtures, though Rodri acknowledged there is still room for defensive improvement. "We showed our attacking firepower once again, but the truth is we are giving away too many chances. That's exactly where we need to tighten up," he told DAZN.

The Spanish midfielder also heaped praise on Yamal's exceptional display: "It was an incredible goal, but we've come to expect moments like that from him lately. Players of his calibre decide matches. Beyond that, I really appreciate his work rate, commitment, and his knack for reading the game and finding open space."

Betis were without several key figures, including Isco, whom manager Manuel Pellegrini opted to rest ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Feyenoord. Despite the heavy defeat, the home side caused the frontrunners plenty of problems and voiced frustration over a number of refereeing decisions.

"A few harsh calls went against us today. Even so, against a side of their calibre, we went toe-to-toe with them until the closing stages. We proved that at full strength with eleven men, we can compete with the very best," said defender Hector Bellerin.

A demanding week lies ahead for Barcelona, who travel to face reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday before welcoming Real Madrid for the season's first El Clasico on Sunday. In another boost for Hansi Flick, Brazilian forward Raphinha made his return from injury as a second-half substitute.

Atletico Madrid held onto second place in the table courtesy of a gritty 1-0 away victory over Espanyol. Alex Baena delivered the decisive moment in the 89th minute, rifling home from the edge of the area following an assist from Julian Alvarez.

Slovakia international defender David Hancko played the full 90 minutes for the visitors. The win extends Atletico's strong run of form, while third-placed Betis now sit eight points adrift of runaway leaders Barcelona.