Messi shows his frustration as Barcelona slip up in La Liga

Real lead on head to head results after Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Betis on Sunday.

Rafael Sobis equalised for Betis in the 89th minute to cancel out Ronaldinho's early penalty as the Barca supporters waved white handkerchiefs in disgust.

Madrid, who last won the title in 2003, took the lead with a thrilling 4-3 victory against Espanyol on Saturday.

Real were 3-1 down following Walter Pandiani's first-half hat-trick but Gonzalo Higuain struck a late winner to cap a remarkable recovery.

Higuain celebrates his late winner in Madrid

The hosts scored twice within eight minutes early in the second half through Raul and Jose Antonio Reyes before Higuain netted in the 89th minute to seal a 4-3 win.

Sevilla kept up their title hopes with a 2-1 win over Recreativo Huelva to lie two points off the lead.

Fourth-placed Valencia all but guaranteed themselves a Champions League spot next season with a 2-0 win over fifth-placed Real Zaragoza to stretch their advantage to seven points.