Lionel Messi makes his first appearance for FC Barcelona since injuring his arm against Sevilla in October.
Barcelona are looking to extend their lead at the top of the table and can create a four point gap between them and Atletico Madrid with a win against Real Betis.
The Catalonian side were denied a slim victory against Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday when Malcom’s 83rd minute strike was levelled by Mauro Icardi four minutes later.
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Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of Barcelona vs Real Betis in La Liga.
We'll be bringing you updates and goals as they fly in at the Nou Camp.
TEAM NEWS
Lionel Messi makes his return for Barcelona following his lay-off through injury.
Messi's inclusion is one of two changes from the team who drew 1-1 away to Inter Milan on Tuesday in the Champions League. He comes in for Philippe Coutinho, whilst Malcolm replaces Ousmane Dembele.
TEAM NEWS
Here's how Real Betis line-up this afternoon.
The players are out on the pitch now shaking hands, and Lionel Messi has the captain's armband on once again.
Barcelona can stretch their lead at the top of the table to four points with a win, whilst Betis, currently in 15th place, can climb up to 11th with a win.
KICK OFF
We're underway here at the Camp Nou.
1 minute
Barcelona are already on the attack, with Malcolm finding Messi in the box but the Argentine scuffs his shot.
3 minutes
Real Betis are boldly trying to play out from the back early on, and are struggling to get out of their half as Barcelona press high.
4 minutes
Giovani Lo Celso finds some space down the left for Betis, but his dangerous cross is well blocked by Gerard Pique. Barca clear from the resulting corner.
6 minutes
Betis' Lo Celso is again the architect and it's a great chance for Joaquin, but his volley blazes over with the goal gaping.
10 minutes
Barcelona just retaining possession after a nervy opening few minutes. Both teams are pressing very high, which will hopefully make for an intriguing match.
12 minutes
First sign of Messi coming to life. He brilliantly skips past two challenges, but his goal-bound shot is blocked in the box.
15 minutes
Messi links up intricately with Suarez in the box, but Suarez is pushed out wide by the Betis defence. Incredibly, the referee doesn't give what was a clear corner.
GOAL! Barcelona 0-1 Real Betis, 20 minutes
Betis take a shock lead here, and what a brilliant goal by Junior Firpo!
The Spaniard gets behind the Barcelona defence on the left, and after beating Sergi Roberto with a few stepovers, he beats ter Stegen at his near post.
22 minutes
Betis are almost in again, as Firpo finds himself in plenty of space on the left, but this time his shot is blocked. Barcelona on the back foot here.
24 minutes
Yellow card for Betis midfielder Andres Guardado, who cynically brings down Messi.
25 minutes
From the resulting free-kick, Messi's cross finds Clement Lenglet whose improvised volley is well saved by Betis keeper Pau Lopez high to his right.
27 minutes
The stage is set for Messi with another free kick 30 yards out, but his shot deflects off the wall safely into Lopez's hands.
30 minutes
Betis have two great chances in the space of a minute!
First, ex-Barca player Christian Tello's shot is well saved by ter Stegen before Joaquin's finish goes just wide.
GOAL! Barcelona 0-2 Real Betis, 34 minutes
Betis have their second, and you have to say they deserve it!
It's Joaquin who this time finishes from 12 yards out after being found unmarked by Tello's cross.
Is an upset on the cards here at the Nou Camp?
39 minutes
Betis are getting in behind Barca's defence at will and this time it's Loren Moren whose right-footed shot goes just wide of ter Stegen's right-hand post.
When is it?
Barcelona vs Real Betis begins at 15:15 GMT at the Camp Nou
How to watch
Eleven Sports will be showing live coverage on Eleven Sports 1
Odds
Barcelona to win: 1/5
Real Betis to win: 12/1
Draw: 6/1
Prediction
Barcelona 2-0 Real Betis
