Real Betis shock Barcelona 3-0

Virtuoso second half goals from Joaquin and Fernando Varela helped a classy Real Betis to a spectacular 3-0 win against Louis van Gaal's Barcelona in the Spanish first division on Saturday.

Former Barcelona striker Alfonso had given Betis the lead from the penalty spot on 26 minutes, but it was a sparkling performance after the break that ensured a comprehensive win for Victor Fernandez's side and a first defeat for Barcelona.

Barcelona's arch-rivals Real Madrid were fortunate to escape with a 1-1 draw against an ambitious Valladolid who took the initiative throughout.

Spanish international striker Raul gave Real the lead against the run of play when he scored with a trademark chip on the stroke of halftime, minutes after his side had been reduced to 10-men following the dismissal of defender Michel Salgado.

But Valladolid, who never let Real settle and had the best chances of the match, levelled 14 minutes later when Uruguayan forward Nicolas Olivera scored from the spot after Real skipper Fernando Hierro had brought down midfielder Fernando Sales.

Real, who were still without the injured Ronaldo but could count on a side that included Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and Roberto Carlos, were clearly rattled when Valladolid took the game to them.

Keeper Iker Casillas was forced to make several sharp saves to keep his side in the match and Real looked relieved with the draw.

SCRAMBLED WIN

Deportivo Coruna scrambled a late 2-1 win over Alaves thanks to a last-gasp strike from defender Joan Capdevila and now join fellow Galicians Celta Vigo, who play on Sunday, at the top of the fledgling table on nine points.

Uruguayan striker Ivan Alonso gave Alaves a deserved lead early in the second half, but saw his goal cancelled out when substitute Diego Tristan hit home with a bullet header 17 minutes later.

Former Atletico Madrid player Capdevila then smashed home after a goalmouth scramble in the final minute of a game which had been dominated by the home side.

Betis, who were forced to play their home match at Huelva because of a two-match stadium closure, went ahead when 30-year-old Alfonso converted his spot kick against his old side after midfielder Capi was felled by young keeper Victor Valdes.

The highly-impressive Joaquin, who had been teasing the Barca defence throughout, extended his side's lead with a superb solo effort 20 minutes after the break.

Making room for himself on the right the 21-year-old winger looked up as if readying himself to cross, checked inside stranded Dutch defender Frank de Boer and then fired in past Valdes at the near post.

But Varela's goal was even better.

The young defender left four defenders in his wake as he weaved his way in from the right and then unleashed an unstoppable drive that ended up in the top of the net.