Lionel Messi scored the 400th goal of his Barcelona career as the Catalans beat Champions League-chasing Valencia 2-0 to move five points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga on Saturday.
Luis Suarez got Barca off to a flying start as he slotted home the opener after just 54 seconds from Messi’s through ball.
However, it was Valencia who enjoyed the majority of the chances thereafter and they were left to rue Dani Parejo’s missed penalty in the first half.
And Messi made sure of all three points with the final kick of the game after Diego Alves had saved his initial effort.
Madrid can move back to within two points of the leaders when they host Malaga later on Saturday.
“We scored in the first minute and then we had problems overcoming their pressing,” admitted Barca boss Luis Enrique.
“The victory is deserved because one of the important facets of the game is effectiveness in front of goal. Valencia had a penalty and fortunately Bravo was very good.”
Defeat, meanwhile, leaves Valencia now four points adrift of third-placed Atletico Madrid, who beat Deportivo la Coruna 2-1 thanks to a double from Antoine Griezmann.
“We played very well in the first-half and had a lot of good chances,” lamented Valencia boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
“We go away hurt, sad and angry because we wanted to win. In the first-half we had too many chances to end up with this result.”
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