Alba's stoppage-time volley seals Champions League football for Barcelona

Marc Bartra's equaliser cancelled out Ansu Fati's opener, but Jordi Alba netted a wonderful volley deep into second half stoppage time to help Barcelona grab a narrow 2-1 victory against Real Betis, sealing Champions League football for next season in the process.

Barcelona took to the Estadio Benito Villamarin pitch with Neto in goal, as Marc-Andre Ter Stegen didn't make the squad due to stomach issues.

Betis lost their starting goalkeeper too, as Claudio Bravo made way for Rui Silva 17 minutes into the first half due to injury. Silva produced a great save to deflect Ronald Araujo's powerful header onto the crossbar.

Ousmane Dembele was particularly active on the right flank, but he lacked a final pass, while Ferran Torres played as a 'false 9', with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dropping to the bench.

The two teams got off to a slow start after the break and didn't create much up until the 63rd minute when Neto pulled off a great save to deny Juanmi.

Then, Fati came off the bench and managed to find the net with one of his first few touches in the game to put Barcelona ahead.

Betis reacted instantly and equalised through former Barcelona defender Bartra, who headed home following a Nabil Fekir corner kick with 11 minutes to go.

Despite Betis gaining momentum after netting the leveller, both teams pushed for a winner in the remaining minutes and it was Barcelona who scored a late goal to snatch all three points.

Dani Alves produced a precise cross to find Alba in the box and the Barcelona left-back unleashed a thunderous volley to beat Silva.

Barcelona are still second, 12 points behind LaLiga Santander champions Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Betis are sitting fifth, three points behind fourth-placed Atletico Madrid.

Los Rojiblancos will face Carlo Ancelotti's side on Sunday night at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.