Barcelona, Dec 17 (IANS): Real Betis registered a 3-1 win over Espanyol to extend their La Liga winning streak to three matches, while handing their opponent their fifth defeat in a row.

The opening minutes, however, witnessed back and forth movements without posing any real danger to either goal, until Real Betis was awarded a penalty kick in the 16th minute on Sunday night.

On their first real chance, forward Sergio Garcia got Espanyol on the scoreboard in the 23rd minute on a shot that got past net-minder Pau Lopez, reports Efe news.

Despite falling behind on the scoreboard, Betis continued their aggressive approach and their perseverance was rewarded in the 42nd minute, when Lo Celso redeemed himself for the squandered penalty kick as his close-range shot drew his team level.

Betis forward Cristian Tello found the back of the net in the 86th minute to make the scoreline 2-1.

In the dying minutes, Espanyol Costa Rican defender Oscar Duarte added to his team's woes, scoring an own goal while attempting to clear a cross by Lo Celso.

After the win, Real Betis temporarily holds the fifth spot in La Liga standings with 25 points, while Espanyol sits in the 11th spot with 21 points.