In the second half, Neymar had another chance to scarper straight for goal from Jordi Alba’s pass, but ended up looking to find Messi and the move ended with Suarez shooting over from 12 yards.
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Suarez scored his eighth goal in four days to fuel a 6-0 rout of Sporting Gijon, following another four-goal outing in an 8-0 destruction of Deportivo La Coruna Wednesday.
There are only three games remaining for the title contenders as Barcelona and Atletico are level on 82 points, with Barca ahead on the head-to-head tiebreaker and Real Madrid only a point behind.
This huge victory against La Coruña has put Barcelona at the top of La Liga, including ahead of Atletico de Madrid on goal difference.
“One of the best bits of news is that the three up front have found their scoring touch again”, Barcelona defender Marc Bartra said.
I am calmer now than when I saw him leave the pitch.. The priority is the League.
“Being top scorer wasn’t my objective and now we have three games left, and with the help of my team mates, if I can do it I’ll welcome it but the priority for the team is the league”, said Suarez.
Today is a demonstration that the group is more united than ever and desperate to win the league.
Suarez turned provider for Barcas third just after the break when his cross to the back post was volleyed home emphatically by Rakitic.
However, Suarez said he is not obsessed with winning the Pichichi award, given to the player in La Liga that has scored the most in a season.
Suarez has played 48 games in all competitions.
Suarez opened the scoring in the 11th and added his other goals in the 24th, 53rd and 64th minutes.
Messi has been famed for his link-up play with Xavi and Andres Iniesta over the years, but it is actually full back Dani Alves who has created the most of his goals.
Substitute Angel Correa settled a hard game for Atletico against Malaga soon after coming off the bench, as his shot from the edge of the area was deflected into the far corner in the 62nd minute.
“We haven’t spoken to the club yet because both Barcelona and Sporting have three important games remaining”.
His status for Tuesday’s Champions League semifinal first leg against Manchester City is unclear, as is Ronaldo’s.
Barcelona’s big lead had evaporated after a draw and three consecutive losses in the league, including one against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou.
Ronaldo has already reached the 500-goal milestone, but Messi has played in 159 fewer matches, giving him a better goal-per-game ratio.
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Vazquez was handed a rare start by Gareth Bales absence through injury, but took full advantage as he raced onto Benzemas layoff before firing low past Asenjo 21 minutes from time.
