Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Barcelona inched closer to the La Liga title and wrote themselves into Spanish football history after going 35 games unbeaten with a 5-1 win against nine-man Rayo Vallecano on Thursday.
Luis Enrique’s side matched Real Madrid’s 34-game unbeaten record set in 1989 when they came from behind to beat Sevilla on Sunday and surpassed it with the drubbing of Rayo last night.
Two goals in as many minutes midway through the first-half killed the game as a contest as Ivan Rakitic and Messi netted before Diego Llorente saw a straight red card for a high challenge on Rakitic.
Messi completed his hat-trick either side of Manucho’s consolation strike for Rayo.
Luis Suarez missed a penalty after Manuel Iturra was also sent-off for the hosts before Arda Turan rounded off the scoring with his first goal for the Blaugrana.
“We played very well and when we are at this level in terms of attitude and intensity, it is very hard for the opponents,” said Barca boss Luis Enrique.
Barca now lead closest rivals Atletico Madrid by eight points with Real Madrid a further four points adrift in third place, with 11 games to go.
Rayo are now just above the drop zone on goal difference as Granada struck twice in the final 20 minutes through Youssef El Arabi and Isaac Success to beat Sporting Gijon 2-0.
Credit: AFP
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