Lionel Messi netted twice for Barcelona as they beat Valencia 2-1 in LaLiga on Sunday.
The win kept the title hopes alive for Ronald Koeman’s team.
Valencia took the lead through Gabriel in the 50th minute. But Messi’s brace either side of an Antoine Griezmann goal earned Barca all three points.
Carlos Soler scored a brilliant goal for Valencia from outside the area as full-time approached, but Barcelona were able to see out the victory.
The result took the Catalans up to 74 points, good enough for second place in La Liga ahead of Real on goal difference and two behind first-placed Atleti.
Barcelona play Atleti in a potential title-decider on May 8.
LaLiga: Messi’s brace against Valencia keeps Barcelona in title race
