Lionel Messi scored four goals as Barcelona came from behind to defeat Valencia 5-1 at the Camp Nou.
Valencia took a surprise lead through Pablo Piatti in the ninth minute, but Messi drew Barça level midway through the first half when he slid the ball under Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves from a tight angle.
The Argentine superstar put the hosts ahead five minutes later before completing his hat-trick in the 76th minute with a neat finish on the rebound after Cristian Tello had been denied.
There was still time for Messi to race clear of the visiting defence and chip home for a fourth, and then for Xavi to dink in a fifth, to leave Barcelona ten points behind fierce rivals Real Madrid at the top of the table.
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Valencia took a surprise lead through Pablo Piatti in the ninth minute, but Messi drew Barça level midway through the first half when he slid the ball under Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves from a tight angle.
The Argentine superstar put the hosts ahead five minutes later before completing his hat-trick in the 76th minute with a neat finish on the rebound after Cristian Tello had been denied.
There was still time for Messi to race clear of the visiting defence and chip home for a fourth, and then for Xavi to dink in a fifth, to leave Barcelona ten points behind fierce rivals Real Madrid at the top of the table.
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