Barcelona surrendered a two-goal lead to slump to a shock 3-2 defeat at Real Betis on Saturday that dealt a serious blow to their title ambitions.

Frank Rijkaard's side appeared to be cruising after goals from Bojan Krkic and Samuel Eto'o put them 2-0 up inside 15 minutes. But a revived Betis turned the tables with three superbly worked goals in 15 second-half minutes. Edu headed the first on 63 minutes before the Brazilian forward missed a penalty.

Spain defender Juanito spared his blushes with a spectacular volley in the 76th. Barca were unable to cope with Betis's speedy counter-attacks and were caught out again when Edu sped down the left flank and cracked a fierce shot inside the near post after 78 minutes.

The defeat meant Barcelona remained four points behind leaders Real Madrid, who host Sevilla on Sunday. Villarreal can overtake the second-placed Catalans if they beat Atletico Madrid in Saturday's late match.

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