Barcelona boss Xavi has paid tribute to his players for navigating their way through a difficult clash with Real Betis to move eight points clear at the top of the La Liga table.

The Catalan outfit made it nine straight wins in all competitions on Wednesday evening, recording a 2-1 victory over Real Betis in Seville.

Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski were on the scoresheet for Barcelona, before Real Betis secured a late consolation through an own goal from Jules Kounde.

Barcelona are now eight points clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who will be bidding to return to winning ways in the league when they host Valencia on Thursday night.

Xavi has said that his side "controlled" the match, with the manager pleased with all aspects of the team's performance.

"We played a great game. We controlled till the end and we knew how to dominate the midfield. We created many chances and played one of our best performances especially because we were at a very difficult stadium," Xavi told reporters on Wednesday night.

"We are leaders and eight points off the second-placed team, who have a game in hand. But we are solid in defence, and good in many moments of the game.

"We are working well, we are on the right track. I see the team competing and enjoying many moments. I can see that they are hungry for success. The team is doing well and that, for me, says a lot. We played against a great team and we played a very brilliant game."

Lewandowski was back in the starting side after a three-game absence in La Liga through suspension, and the Poland international managed to score his 14th league goal of the campaign.

"Lewandowski is a striker of high calibre. He's a natural goalscorer who always makes a difference," Xavi added.

The Barcelona manager also hailed the team's other goalscorer Raphinha, who was linked with a move away from Camp Nou during the January transfer window.

There were claims that the Brazil international could depart the club in the winter window after losing his regular starting role, but Ousmane Dembele's recent injury has again opened up a spot in the first XI.

"Raphinha played a very good game. He presses, runs, and makes the difference, like Lewandowski, who has scored again and always works for the team," said Xavi.

Barcelona will be bidding to continue their impressive run of form when they welcome Sevilla to Camp Nou on Sunday night. body check tags ::