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MADRID. — Barcelona remain on top of the Spanish La Liga soccer table with two games remaining as goals from Ivan Rakitic and Luis Suarez earned a 2-0 win over 10-man Real Betis on Saturday.

On a day of high tension when all three title contenders were at one point top of the table, Antoine Griezmann came off the bench to score the winner in Atletico Madrid’s 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano to remain behind Barca solely due to their inferior head-to-head record.

Gareth Bale’s thunderous header 10 minutes from time kept an under-strength Real Madrid just a point behind the leaders in third in a 1-0 victory at Real Sociedad.

Barca need to win their two remaining games at home to Espanyol and away to Granada to be assured of retaining their title and were given a huge helping hand by Betis despite an unconvincing performance.

And Barcelona coach Luis Enrique believes the Spanish champions took a big step towards retaining their title as they overcame 10-man Betis 2-0.

Enrique’s men still need to win their two remaining games against local rivals Espanyol and Granada to be assured of winning the league after Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid were also victorious on Saturday.

Only Barca’s superior head-to-head record separates them from Atletico with Real Madrid just a point behind in third. — AFP.