Ronaldinho was in inspirational form as he returned to lead Barcelona to a 5-1 home victory over an unfortunate Real Betis in the Primera Liga on Saturday.The leaders now have 55 points and remain seven clear of second-placed Real Madrid who recorded their sixth consecutive league win by sweeping aside lowly Alaves 3-0 at the Bernabeu.Barca’s Brazilian playmaker, who was suspended for the league defeats against Atletico Madrid and Valencia, played a part in Henrik Larsson’s opener and triggered Melli’s own goal.Ronaldinho then went on to score two goals from freekicks. But it was not all plain sailing for the home side who had keeper Victor Valdes to thank for a number of crucial saves.Joaquin pulled a goal back for Betis on the hour but Lionel Messi came off the bench to make it five with six minutes left. Ronaldinho instigated a classic attack after 17 minutes of the game, feeding Samuel Eto’o on the right flank, from where the Cameroon striker crossed quickly for Larsson to score at the far post.A large slice of luck put Barca firmly in control in the 28th minute when Melli diverted Ronaldinho’s through ball into his own net as he tried to prevent Eto’o reaching the pass.Five minutes later Ronaldinho’s free kick came off the wall, hit Melli on the back and rolled into the goal as the Betis defender’s wrong-footed keeper stood and watched helplessly.Home keeper Valdes had to be alert to save well from Daniand Arzu in one-on-one’s in the first half as Barca suddenly looked shaky at the back.In the 58th minute Ronaldinho scored a fourth when his dipping free kick squirmed out of Antonio Doblas’s hands and just inside the post.Messi, who showed great persistence in harrying the rival defenders, made it five for the winners when he shot a goal off the bear post.
