Neymar, Messi and Suárez on target for Barça

It was night for celebration in the Camp Nou, and not just because Leo Messi received the trophy for the top goal-scorer in the history of La Liga. The defending champions, Atlético Madrid, were visiting Barcelona on matchday 18 of the Liga BBVA, and FC Barcelona played their best football of the season in a match that finished 3-1.

Despite the Rojiblancos' solidity early in the game, the Azulgrana strikeforce doused the hopes of Diego Pablo Simeone's men in the 12th minute. A shot from Neymar across Miguel Ángel Moyà's goal opened the scoring and gave Barcelona even more confidence. Later it was Luis Suárez, thanks to a great move led by Messi, who increased the lead over an Atlético who were hanging on for the break to try and find something.

Find something they did; after the restart the side from the capital scored their first goal with a penalty that was converted by Mario Mandžukić. The goal made it 2-1 and breathed new life into the match and into the Rojiblancos, who were challenging for every ball in order to fight back. However, the game ended with a goal from Messi in the 88th minute. The 3-1 result was enough for Barcelona to send a message to an always-tricky opponent.