Lionel Messi and Neymar kept front-runner Barcelona on pace to reclaiming the Spanish league title after scoring in a 2-0 win at Espanyol to provisionally increase their lead over Real Madrid on Saturday.
Luis Suarez, the third member of the star-studded attack, played a part in both goals against Barcelona’s cross-town rival.
Messi’s incisive pass started a move that Neymar finished off in the 17th minute after Suarez coolly let the ball run between his legs.
Photo: Reuters
Suarez then crossed for Messi to double the visitors’ advantage in the 25th with his 47th goal in 48 games this season.
Barcelona lead the league by five points from second-place Madrid.
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, who has also guided the team into a Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich and the Copa del Rey final, called his side’s first half “the best” of the season.
Barcelona lost left back Jordi Alba to back-to-back bookings in the 54th after he continued to protest, but the leaders did not miss a beat, and three minutes later Messi hit the post.
Espanyol also finished with 10 men after referee Mateu Lahoz showed two yellow cards just moments apart to Hector Moreno for complaining in stoppage time.
Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann recorded his third brace in as many league games as last season’s champions brushed aside Elche 3-0 at home, strengthening their hold on third place.
Griezmann headed in a rebound for his 21st league goal in the 55th, and added a 22nd after Raul Garcia struck from long range.
Levante also edged away from the relegation zone with a 1-0 victory at Getafe from Victor Casadesus’ headed goal in the 35th, while sixth-place Villarreal drew 0-0 at Real Sociedad as both failed to break winless runs.
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