Barça offer up goal feast to go top of the league

FC Barcelona produced a complete performance to route Rayo Vallecano 6-1 and return to the top of the Liga BBVA for the first time in four months. Luis Suárez scored the first and last goal of the game but Leo Messi was the main man in the second half, scoring a hat-trick in a goal blitz. 

Rayo began the game well, underlining their intention to go toe-to-toe with the Catalans. However, the hosts were in no mood to waste the opportunity to go top of the league and Suárez gave them the lead after five minutes, latching on to a pass from Xavi Hernández to fire home. Luis Enrique's side created many more chances before the break, with Pedro Rodríguez spurning a great chance. Roberto Trashorras had the best effort for the visitors, shooting wide of the post.

The script of the game did not change after the break, although Barça did sharpen their knuckles. Gerard Piqué took advantage when Jordi Alba's header from a corner came off the far post to make it 2-0. It was the defender's fourth goal of the season, his best tally in a Liga BBVA season. Leo Messi then started his own party in the 56th minute, scoring a hat-trick in 12 minutes. Alberto Bueno then made it 5-1 from the penalty spot with 10 minutes remaining, but Suárez hit one final goal in stoppage time.