Barcelona go one point clear after 1-1 draw at Betis

MADRID, Jan 24 (Reuters) Barcelona moved a point clear at the top at the halfway point of the season after drawing 1-1 with Real Betis in the Primera Liga today.

It was a far from convincing performance from the visitors, who have won only one of their last five league games and had to come from a goal down against struggling Betis.

Brazilian striker Robert put the hosts ahead when he made the most of slack defending to head in a corner late in the first half.

Barca rarely threatened but earned a point when Mexican defender Rafael Marquez nodded in a 61st-minute corner for his first goal of the season.

Barca have 39 points from 19 games, one ahead of Sevilla and Real Madrid, and three clear of fourth-placed Valencia.

Betis remain 18th.

Reuters PDS RN0342