Messi masterclass fires Barca

Four goals from Lionel Messi put third-placed Valencia to the sword on a night when Barcelona could have scored a dozen but for the efforts of visiting goalkeeper Diego Alves.

Valencia took a surprise lead through Pablo Piatti in the ninth minute last night, but Barca’s response was composed and clinical as they tore the visiting defence to shreds, producing chance after chance as Messi scored twice before half-time and then twice more in the final 15 minutes.

He then found time to help set up Xavi Hernandez for a fifth in injury time. The 5-1 win leaves Barca 10 points adrift of Primera Division leaders Real Madrid – who eased to a 4-0 victory over 10-man Racing Santander on Saturday night.