Barcelona crowned Spanish 'winter champions'

Barcelona were confirmed Spain's 'winter champions', the unofficial honour going to the La Liga leaders after the first half of the season, despite only drawing 1-1 at Real Betis.

The reigning Spanish champions, who are going in search of their third consecutive La Liga title, have 39 points from 19 games and a one-point advantage over their nearest rivals.

Sevilla and Real Madrid are second and third respectively, with both teams on 38 points but separated by goal difference.

Betis deservedly took the lead after 36 minutes, having pressured Barcelona for most of the first half, when their Brazilian striker Robert headed home from close range following a corner by his compatriot Assuncao.

However, Barcelona showed the character of champions and came out after the break playing like changed men.

Ronaldinho and Ludovic Guily both had efforts whistle past the post of Betis goalkeeper Toni Doblas in the early minutes of the second half before Rafa Marquez found the net right on the hour.

With the Betis defenders looking for danger elsewhere from a Deco corner, the Mexican international defender was left alone to sneak in at the near post and his diving header past Doblas put Barca back on level terms.

Barca's second half substitute Eidur Gudjohnsen had two good chances to get the winner in the final 13 minutes but, like so often this season, the Icelandic striker couldn't quite capitalise on his opportunities.

Opinions differ among the Barcelona players differ as to whether being the winter champions has any true value.

"The only title that matters is the one at the end of the season," said Barca's 2004 and 2005 World Player of the Year Ronaldinho.

By contrast, Ronaldinho's Brazilian compatriot Belletti took the opposite view.

"Titles like this are always useful. They provide a big boost to the confidence of the players and the morale of the fans," said the hero of Barcelona's Champions League victory in May.

Regardless of the opinion, being in pole position at the halfway point in the season is a good omen.

Ten of the last 12 Spanish champions have been on top after the first half of the season, and Barcelona themselves were ahead at this stage of the last two seasons.

There are also few that would argue that Barcelona would deserve to be top despite not too often producing the sparkling football that was a feature of their last campaign.

Barca remain unbeaten at home and their only two defeats so far have come in difficult derby clashes away at Espnayol and Real Madrid.

The Catalan club have a chance to increase their advantage at the weekend as they play host to slumping Celta Vigo on Sunday while Sevilla and Real Madrid have away trips to Levante and Villarreal respectively.

At the other end of the table, struggling Betis remain in the relegation zone and are third from bottom despite a draw in a match that had been postponed because of Barca's World Club Cup commitments in December.

"But this was a great game. I think it showed what we are really capable of when we can hold a team like Barca. I think we will survive," said Assuncao, who also almost found the net in injury time.