Barcelona continue winning run

FC Barcelona remained secure in second place and kept up the pressure on Real Madrid in the battle for top spot after beating Levante UD 5-0 on matchday 23 of the Liga BBVA.

The Catalan outfit proved the more effective of the two sides, and set themselves on course for victory in the first half. Neymar Jr. broke the deadlock for the hosts with a goal after 17 minutes. Levante then looked to break at pace to make life difficult for the home team, but Barcelona’s good work and use of the ball won out. Messi, in his 300th match in the Liga BBVA, hit the second of the match after Marc Bartra had stolen possession in midfield.

Two more strikes from Messi early in the second period settled the affair, which at 4-0 dropped in tempo and dynamism. Luis Suárez, who had come on as a substitute after half time, then brought the Camp Nou to its feet with a terrific overhead kick to complete the scoring for the azulgranas.