Barcelona have matched Real Madrid's historic record for the best start to a La Liga season. A 5-2 win over Real Betis on Saturday secured a ninth consecutive league victory, equalling the mark set by their great rivals in the 1968-69 campaign.

The victory at the Spotify Camp Nou took Barcelona to 27 points, opening a five-point gap over second-placed Atletico Madrid. Real Betis remain third with 19 points, while Real Madrid sit fourth on 18 ahead of their Sunday fixture.

How Barcelona won against Betis

Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a curling effort from the edge of the box. Valentin Gomez headed Betis level in the 27th minute, but Rodri restored Barcelona's lead before halftime with a header from a Fermin Lopez corner.

Gabriel Jesus tapped in a Yamal cross to make it 3-1 six minutes after the break. Betis replied instantly through Ez Abde, but the visitors' task grew harder when Facundo Bernal was shown a straight red card for headbutting Yamal. Eric Garcia capitalised on a loose ball to score in the 63rd minute, and Dani Olmo sealed the win with a strike into the top corner nine minutes from time.

Context of Real Madrid's original record

Real Madrid's nine-win run was achieved under manager Miguel Muñoz. That streak ended with a 0-0 draw against Pontevedra on the tenth matchday of the 1968-69 season. Real Madrid ultimately finished that season as champions, with Barcelona coming in second. The current Barcelona side, under coach Hansi Flick, has now replicated that perfect start.

League standings and other results

Atletico Madrid kept pace in second place with a late 1-0 win at Espanyol, secured by an 89th-minute goal from Alex Baena. Real Madrid, who have a game in hand, will face Valencia on Sunday.

What comes next for Barcelona

Barcelona's next league fixture is the Clásico against Real Madrid on Sunday 25 October, a key match in the title race. Before that, they visit Paris Saint-Germain, the current European champions, in the Champions League on Tuesday 20 October. Hansi Flick's side can now set a new outright record by winning their tenth consecutive match against their arch-rivals. Flick, speaking after the match, said, 'The team showed great character today. We are happy with the record, but our focus is already on the next challenge.'

Read the full report at Yahoo Sports