Barcelona's Lionel Messi scored four goals in the Catalan club's 5-1 win over Valencia.Pablo Piatti handed Valencia the lead in the ninth minute, volleying Sofiane Feghouli's cross past Victor Valdes in Barcelona's goal.
The Argentine scored his first in the 22nd minute, sliding the ball under Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves from the tightest of angles, before handing the home side the lead five minutes later with a tap-in after Alves failed to hold his initial shot.
On 76 minutes, Messi had his hat-trick, lashing home the rebound after Cristian Tello's shot was parried by Alves into the number 10's path.
Messi grabbed his fourth with five minutes to go, delicately chipping the Valencia goalkeeper after bursting clear of the defence.
Xavi completed Barcelona's dominant performance with a goal in the first minute of injury time.
In Gijon, Atletico Madrid squandered an opportunity to go fourth, drawing with Sporting 1-1.
An own goal by Roberto Canella put the away side ahead, but Sebastien Eguren levelled the game before half-time.
Athletic Bilbao to stay fourth after recording a superb 3-0 win over fellow Champions League chasers Malaga.
In a match with numerous chances at either end, Marcelo Bielsa's side proved more clinical after the break with Fernando Amorebieta, Mikel San Jose and Toquero all scoring in a five-minute period to secure the points at home.
Rayo Vallecano won 5-3 against hosts Levante in a thrilling game, which included six goals in the second half.
Rayo's attacking pair of Lass and Diego da Silva Costa both scored twice for the visitors.
In other results, Granada took advantage of Asier Illarramendi's red card just before half-time to cruise to a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad.
Mallorca thumped Villarreal 4-0.
