Barcelona let slip an early 2-0 lead before struggling to beat 10-man Real Betis 4-2 in the Spanish league Sunday after Alexis Sanchez set up two goals and scored another. Three days before the Copa del Rey clash against Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola's team appeared set to cruise to another home victory after Xavi Hernandez and Lionel Messi put the hosts ahead 2-0 after just 12 minutes. But Ruben Castro scored the first goal by a visitor at Camp Nou stadium in the league this season, and strike partner Roque Santa Cruz made it 2-2 in the 52nd. Barcelona wasn't able to regain control until Mario Alvarez left Betis a man down with his second booking in the 79th. Sanchez then scored the winning goal before Messi added a late penalty. The Catalan giant's ninth win in 10 home games still leaves it five points behind leader Madrid in the league standings. Madrid hosts Barcelona Wednesday in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. The two legs will take the number of “clasico” matches to nine in nine months. Barcelona has been dominant, with Madrid's one win coming in the Copa final last season. Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone won on his home debut as his new team beat Villarreal 3-0 thanks to Radamel Falcao's double. Falcao broke through for a dominant Atletico in the 40th minute, and then scored his 11th league goal from the penalty spot in the 51st after he was fouled in the area. Diego capped the win in the 80th. Also, it was: Osasuna 0, Racing Santander 2; Athletic Bilbao 3, Levante 0; and Sporting Gijon 2, Malaga 1.
