Lionel Messi nets brace as Barcelona come from behind to beat Valencia

Lionel Messi steered Barcelona to victory (Joan Monfort/AP)

Barcelona came from behind to win 3-2 at Valencia and keep alive the most enthralling LaLiga title race for years.

After a shock home defeat to Granada in midweek, Ronald Koeman’s side simply had to win at the Mestalla. Despite Valencia’s lowly league position, they came into the match unbeaten in eight at home, so it was never going to be easy for Barcelona.