A STANDING OVATION

Barcelona's 4-1 win at Real Betis made the headlines after Lionel Messi scored a sensational hat-trick - his 33rd in La Liga - to help his club move 10 points clear at the top with 10 matches left to play.

The Argentina superstar's first goal was a 20-yard free-kick and his second, a toe-poked strike, came from Suarez's backheeled pass. The best of the lot, however, was a clipped finish that went in off the bar late on, which led to him receiving a standing ovation from the Betis supporters.

'I cannot remember anything like this before and I'm very grateful for the fans' reaction,' said Messi. 'I'm very happy for the victory, which was very important.

'We were playing against a team that treats the ball very well but the coach read the game perfectly from a tactical point of view.

'The title is in our own hands but nothing has been decided. Worse things have happened before. We have a great advantage but there are many points to play for.'