Barca run riot
Barcelona remain just a point behind Real Madrid, having played a game more, as Neymar and Lionel Messi both scored twice in a 6-0 win at 10-man Elche.
Champions Atletico Madrid are four points off the top after Antoine Griezmann's double helped them to a 3-1 win over Rayo Vallecano.
It was comfortable evening for Barcelona once Gerard Pique had chested down Xavi Hernadez's free-kick to open the scoring 10 minutes before half-time.
"With this attitude and playing like this, it is difficult for us to lose," Neymar told Gol TV.
"I am very happy with the season I am having. I am improving all the time."
A slick counter-attack 10 minutes after the break handed the visitors the chance to double their advantage when Neymar was scythed down by Sergio Pelegrin inside the area and, unlike when he missed from the spot against Atletico Madrid in midweek, Messi confidently slotted home the penalty.
Faycal Fajr was then shown a second yellow card to leave the hosts a man short in the final half hour.
And it showed as Messi teed up Neymar to sweep home the third and better was to come from the South American duo 19 minutes from time when Messi's lofted pass was volleyed high into the net by the Brazilian for his 19th goal of the season.
Messi made it 5-0 with a classic left-footed finish into the bottom corner two minutes from time before Neymar squared for Pedro Rodriguez to round off the scoring in stoppage time.
Atletico were also comfortable winners thanks to Griezmann's first-half double as he twice took advantage of slack Rayo defending to race through on goal and slot past Tono.
Roberto Trashorras reduced the arrears with a fine finish before half-time, but Manucho's own goal 11 minutes after the break made the points safe for Diego Simeone's men.
Villarreal moved level with Valencia in fifth as Luciano Vietto's second-half strike was enough to secure a 1-0 win against Levante.
Meanwhile, David Moyes sealed just his third La Liga win as Real Sociedad boss with a 1-0 victory over Eibar.
Comments