Ronaldinho inspires Barca to victory

Ronaldinho was in inspirational form as he returned to lead Barcelona to a 5-1 home victory over an unfortunate Real Betis in the Primera Liga on Saturday.

The leaders now have 55 points and remain seven clear of second-placed Real Madrid who recorded their sixth consecutive league win by sweeping aside lowly Alaves 3-0 at the Bernabeu.

Barca’s Brazilian playmaker, who was suspended for the league defeats against Atletico Madrid and Valencia, played a part in Henrik Larsson’s opener and triggered Melli’s own goal.

Ronaldinho then went on two score two himself from free kicks but it was not all plain sailing for the home side which had keeper Victor Valdes to thank for a number of crucial saves.

Joaquin pulled a goal back for Betis on the hour but Lionel Messi came off the bench to make it five with six minutes left.

Javier Saviola scored the only goal as Sevilla beat visitors Celta Vigo 1-0 to climb above them to fifth on 41 points, two ahead of the Galicians.

Villarreal cruised to a 4-0 home win over Espanyol to move up a spot to seventh with 38 points.