Barcelona showed real character to stay within four points of leaders Real Madrid with a 2-1 win over struggling Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday, maintaining their flawless home record.
Cristian put Deportivo ahead after just two minutes to stun the home crowd but a 40th minute penalty from Ronaldinho restored parity and Xavi struck the winner to make it a perfect eight home wins in the league.
Barcelona, who welcomed Samuel Eto'o and Deco back from injury, stay second and coach Frank Rijkaard will want to stay close to Real ahead of "El Classico" at Camp Nou on Dec. 23.
"It was not a brilliant game but we won and Eto'o and Deco came back from injury so it was very important," Rijkaard said.
Villarreal slip to fourth after as the wheels appear to be starting to come off their title bid following a 1-0 home defeat by Real Betis.
"Betis did not deserve to take the three points," Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini said. "We played well against a team that scored with their only chance in the match."
"We tried everything but it is difficult against a team with 10 men behind the ball," he said.
With Thierry Henry still out injured, Barca coach Rijkaard started with Eto'o, Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi in attack.
With Real defeating Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, the pressure was on Barcelona and they had a horror start with Cristian firing La Coruna ahead after just two minutes to stun the home fans.
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