Robert Lewandowski continued his great start to the season but couldn’t prevent Barcelona from dropping points in a 2-2 draw with Real Betis.

Lewandowski scored his 16th goal of the league season before Ferran Torres canceled out Giovani Lo Celso’s penalty – but Assane Diao secured a point for Betis with a late equaliser.

Real Betis could easily have scored two goals in the first three minutes, but Raphina cleared Diego Llorente’s header on the goal line before Abde Ezzalzouli – formerly of Barcelona – had his one-on-one shot parried by Inaki Pena.

Lamine Yamal missed a good chance to break the deadlock from close range, but teammate Lewandowski made no such mistake.

The Poland international converted Jules Kounde’s cross from close range, completing a great team move and scoring for the 23rd time in 21 games in all competitions.

Betis came out of the half-time break with renewed energy, but missed three more clear chances.

Sergi Altimira and Lo Celso sent their headers past Pena’s post before the Barcelona goalkeeper was called upon to direct Chimy Avila’s snapshot wide.

Betis finally got their just reward when Lo Celso converted from the penalty spot after Barca substitute Frenkie de Jong had knocked Catalans’ on-loan Vitor Roque to the ground as he raced into the box.

Barca pushed for the winner and found it when substitute Torres beat the offside trap, used Yamal’s back pass and beat Fran Vieites.

It seemed as if Barca would clinch victory, but in the fourth minute of stoppage time, 19-year-old substitute Diao saved the win and saved a point for the hosts.

The draw will see Barca relinquish control of the title race. Flick’s team is five points ahead of closest rivals Real Madrid, but Los Blancos have played two games less.

Barca will face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday (kick-off 20:00 GMT) before facing Leganes in La Liga on Sunday December 15.