Barcelona Close Gap At The Top

A rejuvenated Ronaldinho scored two trademark free-kicks as Barcelona moved to within one point of tabletoppers Real Madrid courtesy of a 3-0 win over Real Betis on Sunday.

Brazilian international Ronaldinho, criticised for his poor form and excessive partying this season, curled in two brilliant free-kicks (52 and 90min) to cap a fine display."Ronaldinho is improving little by little and the team notices that immediately on the pitch," said Barca coach Frank Rijkaard.

"He looks happy out there on the field and there is no doubt that he still has a lot to offer this team and the club."

Real had tasted a 2-0 defeat to Sevilla on Saturday and Barcelona punished that slip with French international Thierry Henry bagging his fifth goal of the season before Ronaldinho took the headlines.

It was a 100th league victory for Rijkaard and Barcelona climb to second, level on points with Villarreal, who produced the comeback of the season to defeat Atletico Madrid in a 4-3 thriller on Sunday.