IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
Xavi says he and his Barcelona team-mates are growing tired of the saga surrounding Neymar's transfer to the club.
Barcelona have had enough of the storm created by Neymar's transfer to Camp Nou from Santos, says midfielder Xavi.
Neymar moved to the Catalan giants in 2013, in a deal estimated to be worth in the region of €57million, although some claims suggested it was closer to €95m.
The details of that transfer have been the subject of an investigation, with allegations of tax fraud being levelled at former president Sandro Rosell and his successor Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Bartomeu is due to appear in court on Friday regarding the case and Xavi says the sooner the whole saga is over, the better.
"The Neymar theme has been going on for over a year now, and we're tired of it," he told Radio Catalunya.
"It's a difficult issue for everyone. We don't like these off-field issues and it'll be good if the case is closed as soon as possible.
"The other day I was with the president, and we both agreed that it's uncomfortable for everyone but that's what we have to endure."
Juanfran says Atletico Madrid cannot afford to fixate on their 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid as the games continue to come thick and fast.
Atletico Madrid's 4-0 hammering of city rivals Real last weekend will count for nothing when they take on Celta Vigo on Sunday, according to Juanfran.
Diego Simeone's men ran riot at the Vicente Calderon last Saturday as goals from Tiago, Saul, Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic put Real to the sword.
Victory brought Atletico back to within four points of La Liga leaders Real, but, with a trip to mid-table Celta next up, Juanfran has called for focus.
"We played a great game the other day against Real Madrid, but it's already forgotten," he said.
"It's a complicated game against Celta, who have great players and at the Calderon we failed to win [in a 2-2 draw].
"Every player is ready when the coach needs. We can boast a great squad.
"The club has made a significant effort, retaining players and bringing in others to increase the level."
The president of Barcelona, Josep Maria Bartomeu, has testified in a Spanish court over alleged tax fraud surrounding the signing of Neymar.
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has testified at a court trial into allegations of tax faud around the signing of Brazilian forward Neymar.
The arrival of the former Santos man has been shrouded in suspicion, with allegations of wrongdoing leading to Bartomeu's predecessor Sandro Rosell leaving his post in January last year.
Neymar moved from Santos prior to the 2013-14 campaign, in a deal reported to be worth around €57million.
However, claims that the actual figure was closer to €95m have led to legal proceedings with Bartomeu testifying on Friday.
In a statement on Barca's website, the Catalan giants confirmed Bartomeu defended his club's actions in relation to taxes and made it clear there was never intent from Barca to defraud the treasury.
The club's counsel in court, Christobal Martell, also confirmed a legal representative would be appointed in the coming days.
Andres Iniesta has played down the significance of a perceived direct style deployed by Barcelona coach Luis Enrique this season.
Barcelona star Andres Iniesta maintains belief that the Catalan side are the best attacking outfit in football, despite Luis Enrique departing from their classical style somewhat this season.
After a season of relative failure last term, Luis Enrique replaced Gerardo Martino in the dugout and was quickly supplied with attacking reinforcements in Luis Suarez as well as Ivan Rakitic.
The 'tiki-taka' possession-based dominance has been diluted this season in an attempt to get Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi into the action sooner.
And Iniesta is confident the switch in style has had little impact on a Barcelona side that has scored 62 goals in just 22 Liga outings this term.
"I don't know how people see it from outside," he told Perform. "When we are on the pitch, we just play football.
"There may be some changes on the style but at the end of the day it's still football.
"You train, you prepare yourself to give your best on the field and that's what I do and I have always tried to do.
"In my opinion my team-mates are the best in the world. I have no doubts about it.
"Having said that, we need to focus on giving our best and help them to keep up the great level they are showing on the pitch.
"We need to carry on improving and making our team-mates look better as at the end of the day this is a team sport and we all have the same aims."
Still at the forefront of Barca's attack is Messi - the Argentina star has had a hand in 38 of the side's league goals alone this term - and Iniesta mused at how his superstar colleague continues to baffle even those who know him best.
"It's very easy to play alongside Messi," Iniesta added.
"He still amazes me because only he does what he does on a football pitch and he wants to keep growing and improving every day.
"He is instrumental for the team and that's something very little people, nearly nobody, is capable of."
La Liga Preview: Sevilla look for energy boost, Atletico eye another win
12 February 2015
Sevilla are looking to find some much-needed energy for a La Liga clash against Cordoba, while Atletico Madrid are high on confidence.
Unai Emery needs to find a way to reenergise his Sevilla outfit in La Liga, while Atletico Madrid are on a high.
Sevilla host struggling Cordoba on Saturday, but they go into the clash having lost three of their past four league matches.
It has seen Emery's men slip to fifth in the table, two points behind Valencia in their battle for the final UEFA Champions League spot.
After his side lost 2-1 to Getafe, Emery said his side "are low on fuel" and needed a break.
A clash against second-bottom Cordoba could be the perfect way for Sevilla to return to form and try and finish the season strongly.
Like his team, Carlos Bacca has slowed – the Colombian has 12 league goals this season but just two in 2015.
Atletico are flying high as they prepare to take on Celta de Vigo on Sunday.
Diego Simeone's side are third after four straight league wins, sitting just four points behind leaders Real.
The highlight of Atletico's recent run was their previous outing – a 4-0 thrashing of city rivals Real.
Atletico star Antoine Griezmann spoke about the confidence within the Atletico squad, and their consistent improvement.
"We have a good run of games coming up, we feel at home on the pitch, we’re playing with confidence and getting better and better,” the Frenchman said.
"Hopefully it stays that way. On a personal level, I’m getting minutes, playing well and scoring goals. I hope to continue like this, but I have to keep working hard."
Under-fire Real coach Carlo Ancelotti will be eager to see his side claim a win at home to Deportivo La Coruna.
The pressure has increased on the Italian since the Atletico thrashing, but they still hold a one-point advantage at the top.
In-form Barcelona are putting the pressure on, and Luis Enrique's men host Levante.
Almeria and David Moyes' Real Sociedad open La Liga's 23rd matchday when they clash on Friday.
Fourth-placed Valencia host Getafe, Malaga take on Espanyol and Rayo Vallecano will meet Villarreal.
Athletic Bilbao will be eager to move further away from the relegation zone when they visit Granada, while on Monday, Eibar host Elche in the matchday's final game.
Real Madrid v Deportivo La Coruna: Ancelotti´s side under pressure at the top
12 February 2015
After more than 100 days at the summit of La Liga, Real Madrid could be dislodged this weekend if they fail to overcome Deportivo La Coruna.
Real Madrid have got used to life at the top, but a spell of more than 100 days at the summit of La Liga could come to an end this weekend if they fall short against Deportivo La Coruna.
Last Saturday's 4-0 loss to city rivals Atletico - their biggest since 2010's 5-0 thrashing at Barcelona - combined with Barca's 5-2 win at Athletic Bilbao the following day left Real with a slender one-point lead over Luis Enrique's side.
Barca are not in action until Sunday, affording Real the chance to pull clear at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
Cristiano Ronaldo lamented a day to forget after the Vicente Calderon humbling, insisting Real "can't lose 4-0 to any team".
It represented a second frustrating game in a row for Ronaldo, who saw red in his previous match at Cordoba before enduring a second consecutive outing without a goal.
He has not gone three club games without scoring since 2013, which will come as an ominous warning to Depor who were beaten 8-2 in September's reverse fixture , which saw Ronaldo score a hat-trick.
Carlo Ancelotti was highly critical of his players last weekend, admitting they were second best "in every aspect".
The Italian will not accept a repeat performance, particularly as Real resume the defence of their UEFA Champions League crown on Wednesday, with a trip to Schalke for a last-16 first-leg clash.
Pepe was back in training on Thursday after a rib injury, with the defender having been out for almost a month.
Fabio Coentrao remains out, though, after suffering a calf injury in training.
If the scars from Depor's home hammering against Real are still fresh, Victor Fernandez can at least approach this game with some optimism, having secured back-to-back victories.
Wins over Rayo Vallecano and Eibar have eased their relegation worries, but goals have been hard to come by on the road.
With just six scored in 10 outings, Depor carry little threat in away matches, claiming just two wins on opposition soil.
Recent history does not bode well for the visitors, who have shipped 14 goals on their last three visits to the Bernabeu.
It is a venue at which they have not won since 2004, with Iker Casillas the only survivor in the Real line-up from that match.
Celta Vigo v Atletico Madrid: Simeone´s men riding high after derby triumph
13 February 2015
Atletico Madrid travel to Celta Vigo riding on the crest of a wave after hammering city rivals Real in La Liga.
Diego Simeone will have had little trouble keeping spirits high among his Atletico Madrid players ahead of Sunday's trip to Celta Vigo.
Last Saturday's 4-0 thrashing of city rivals Real put the defending champions right back in the title race and gave them local bragging rights for the time being.
Goals from Tiago, Saul, Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic secured a dominant triumph at the Vicente Calderon as Atleti moved to within four points of top spot, which has been occupied by Real since November 1.
But Simeone would do well to heed a warning from Atleti's triumph, as victories over their bitter rivals have often been followed by setbacks.
Indeed, Atleti's last three wins over Real have come just before a fall.
A 1-0 Supercopa de Espana triumph in August preceded a goalless draw at Rayo Vallecano in the Liga season opener, September's 2-1 league win at the Santiago Bernabeu came three days before a UEFA Champions League reverse at Olympiacos, and January's 2-0 Copa del Rey success was followed by a defeat at Barcelona.
Celta have already frustrated Simeone this season, earning a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture courtesy of goals from Pablo Hernandez and Nolito.
That was one of many impressive results that Celta produced in a promising start to the campaign, but things took a turn for the worse at the most unlikely of points.
A 1-0 win at Barcelona, under the charge of former Celta coach Luis Enrique, left the Galicians sixth on November 1 with 19 points.
Since then, however, Eduardo Berizzo's men have taken just six points from 12 matches, ending a 10-game winless run in the league with a 1-0 victory over Cordoba last month.
A 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad followed, with those two results helping to ease fears of being dragged into a relegation battle. Despite being in the top half, Celta are just six points above the bottom three.
Simeone will likely keep faith with the side that so soundly beat Real, while Berizzo will hope Nolito - who went over 12 weeks without a goal before netting the winner against Cordoba - can extend his scoring run to three consecutive matches.
Barcelona v Levante: Messi prepares for landmark appearance
13 February 2015
Barcelona look to keep up the pressure on La Liga leaders Real Madrid with victory over Levante in Lionel Messi's 300th league appearance.
Barcelona will look to crown Lionel Messi's 300th Liga appearance with victory when they welcome Levante to Camp Nou on Sunday.
The superstar forward has scored 266 Liga goals since making his debut in 2004 - a record figure in the Spanish top flight.
Messi has been in sublime form even by his own high standards recently, scoring 11 goals in 10 appearances in all competitions in 2015.
Collectively, Barca have also hit their stride, posting 10 consecutive wins since losing 1-0 at Real Sociedad on January 4.
It appears that rumoured differences between Messi and coach Luis Enrique are in the past, and defender Gerard Pique has hailed the four-time Ballon d'Or winner as a leader in the Barca dressing room.
"Luis Enrique obviously calls the shots more than [Lionel] Messi," Pique told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope.
"He's the coach, the boss, but Leo has a lot of authority in the dressing room.
"There's no dressing rooms in which there aren't any disagreements. Luis Enrique and Messi had a spat, but it's now in the past and there's no getting around it.
"His relationship with Luis Enrique has always been good and cordial."
Barca now sit just a point behind Real Madrid at the top of the table, after they destroyed Athletic Bilbao 5-2 and their arch-rivals lost 4-0 at champions Atletico Madrid last week.
It appears inevitable that Barca will post an 11th straight victory in all competitions this weekend, too.
Four of their last five meetings with Levante have ended in wins, with Barca scoring 22 goals across those fixtures - including a 5-0 away win in September.
However, Levante should at least be in high spirits heading to Camp Nou, having beaten Malaga 4-1 last weekend.
That result ended a run of nine Liga games without a victory, though, and they remain mired in a relegation dogfight.
Espanyol, Sevilla and Real Madrid were among the winners in La Liga on Saturday, the trio all keeping clean sheets.
Espanyol held on for a gutsy 2-0 win at Malaga in La Liga, while Sevilla thrashed Cordoba 3-0 on Saturday.
Sergio's men claimed victory at La Rosaleda courtesy of goals to Alvaro Gonzalez and Sergio Garcia, but not before they were reduced to 10 men.
Diego Colotto, seconds after gracing the field as an 80th-minute substitute, incredulously flung his hand at a goal-bound effort from fellow sub Javi Guerra.
The brain snap saw Colotto dismissed and a penalty awarded, but Espanyol goalkeeper Kiko Casilla was the hero - diving low to his left to keep out Nordin Amrabat's spot kick.
Malaga, who were trailing 1-0 at the time, continued to push to earn a point against their undermanned opponents, with Ruben Duarte using his head to deny the hosts an on-target shot moments later.
Garcia sealed the three points late in injury time for the visitors, their second league win on the road in their past four trips.
Espanyol (eighth, 29 points) ended a two-match losing run, and inflicted back-to-back losses on Malaga - who sit seventh on 35 points.
Sevilla climbed to fourth with a home rout of Cordoba, with both sides finishing with 10 men.
Grzegorz Krychowiak and Carlos Bacca struck in the shadows of half-time, before Iborra's effort in the 76th minute completed the scoring.
Patrick Ekeng was earlier sent off for Cordoba in the 54th minute, while Iborra's goal came three minutes after Krychowiak saw red.
Real Madrid bounced back from their last-start loss to Atletico Madrid, downing Deportivo La Coruna 2-0 to move four points clear at the top.
Granada and Athletic Bilbao played out a 0-0 draw, the Basque club keeping a second straight clean sheet on the road.
The hosts were down a man for the final 22 minutes, after Emanuel Insua was dismissed.
Ahead of a landmark 300th La Liga appearance, Lionel Messi drew glowing praise from Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique.
Luis Enrique paid tribute to Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi ahead of his 300th La Liga appearance, describing the forward as "from a different planet".
The Argentina captain has been the flag bearer for Barcelona for the best part of the last decade, scoring an incredible 266 Liga goals - a record in Spain's top tier.
Messi, widely recognised as one of the top two players of his generation alongside Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, has won six league titles, two Copa del Rey trophies and three UEFA Champions League medals during his time at Camp Nou.
And Barca head coach Luis Enrique credited Messi's ability to stay on top despite the high level of quality of modern football.
"Leo Messi's stats are from a different galaxy not just in how he scores but the way he supplies assists," he said ahead of Barca's home Liga clash with Levante on Sunday.
"Also, the titles, he was won individually and as a team, I think football is evolving towards a greater psychological and technical development.
"There's less space now, Messi has no space or time and it is much more difficult - players needs to be much better developed. It's much harder to score goals in modern football."
Messi's recent form has been top drawer and the forward has 11 goals in 10 appearances across all competitions in 2015.
It remains to be seen whether Messi will play against Levante, though, with Luis Enrique possibly contemplating resting him and fellow stars Neymar and Luis Suarez after a busy fixture schedule.
"I'll think about what we want but I think it's a privilege to get four or five attacking players at such a high level," he added. "I want them all to be in good condition."
Simeone: Key absences mean Atleti must raise their game
14 February 2015
The absence of three key players means Atletico Madrid must raise their game to beat Celta Vigo, coach Diego Simeone has warned.
Diego Simeone has challenged Atletico Madrid's squad players to step up to the plate against Celta Vigo in the absence of three of his most important first-teamers.
Koke will miss Sunday's trip to Vigo after picking up a hamstring injury in the champions' 4-0 hammering of Real Madrid last week, while Arda Turan and Raul Garcia are banned after collecting their fifth bookings of the season in the derby.
Third-placed Atletico play after both Real and Barcelona this weekend and, with their title rivals facing what are - on paper at least - straightforward home games against Deportivo La Coruna and Levante, three points at the Estadio de Balaidos is crucial for Simeone's side.
And the Argentinian has called on his team to pick up the collective slack left by the enforced absences of Koke, Arda and Garcia.
"You all know what Koke and Arda provide us with - creativity, talent and the fact they are used to our style of play and also the variety we have with them on the pitch," Simeone told his pre-match media briefing on Saturday.
"Their absences, along with Raul Garcia's, generate an extra effort for the team to neutralise such important absences.
"Because, as I always say, you don't need a team to compete in the best way - with a team, you can win certain games [but] to compete seriously, you need a group.
"The guys that are working here, they do it in order to make the most of the chances they get.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says whistles aimed at him and Iker Casillas during the win over Deportivo La Coruna were "normal".
Carlo Ancelotti was not concerned that he and Iker Casillas bore the brunt of Real Madrid fans' frustration during Saturday's 2-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruna.
Real fans whistled at coach Ancelotti and goalkeeper Casillas at the Santiago Bernabeu a week after the 4-0 derby hammering against Atletico Madrid.
Ancelotti took that on the chin, though, after goals from Isco and Karim Benzema secured a win which moved the European champions four points clear of second-placed Barcelona, who play Levante on Sunday.
He said: "It's normal for me or the team to be whistled. It's frustrating for everyone to lose a derby 4-0. We all understood the need to win and the importance of the support.
"We need to say thank you to the fans. It's hard to support the team when things go badly. The team are grateful for it."
The Italian added: "Casillas whistled? As always, the whistles were at the start and then they stopped and there was applause for the game he had."
Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale struck the crossbar, but Real did not have things their own way and Depor midfielder Celso Borges rattled the post in the second half.
Ancelotti added: "It wasn't an easy game. We only played well in parts and we had tough spells. The week was different, delicate, complicated, but we came out of it with a win.
"Today we did at times what we always do. There were worries, but everything turned out alright. The fans helped us. They helped us come out of this."
Ancelotti also allayed concerns over Marcelo's fitness after the defender was withdrawn due to injury late on, revealing that the Brazil left-back will be fit to face Schalke in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
Real Madrid fans whistled Carlo Ancelotti and Iker Casillas on Saturday, but Alvaro Arbeloa expected more discontent.
Alvaro Arbeloa was braced for more hostility from disgruntled fans than Real Madrid were subjected to during Saturday's 2-0 home win over Deportivo La Coruna.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti and goalkeeper Iker Casillas bore the brunt of supporters' frustrations at Santiago Bernabeu a week after Real's 4-0 derby drubbing against Atletico Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo's much-publicised 30th birthday party.
Ancelotti insisted he was not concerned by the whistles aimed at him during a victory courtesy of goals from Isco and Karim Benzema that saw his side go four points clear of second-placed Barcelona in the race for the Liga title.
And defender Arbeloa, who laid on the opening goal for Isco, was expecting a more significant backlash during Saturday's encounter.
He said: "After all that has been talked about this week, the fans gave us a much better welcome than we could have expected.
"Whistles mean that demands are being placed on you, and when a team-mate is being whistled we're all being whistled. Real Madrid belongs to the fans and they always demand our utmost. I think that they gave us good support."
The former Liverpool man then turned his attention to securing another victory in Wednesday's UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg clash at Schalke.
Arbeloa said: "Winning was the most important thing. It was a difficult game and we got a result. What was important was picking up confidence, and now we have to focus on Schalke.
As speculation mounts regarding Danny Ings' future, Burnley manager Sean Dyche has urged him to snub Real Sociedad and stay in England.
Burnley boss Sean Dyche is adamant Danny Ings is too good to play for Real Sociedad and should instead be targeting a move to a major Premier League club.
The England Under-21 international striker, who has netted five goals in his last six Premier League games, will become a free agent at the end of the season, sparking plenty of reported interest in him.
Sociedad head coach David Moyes rates Ings highly and has already hinted he will offer him the chance to relocate to Spain, but Dyche - who appears resigned to losing the striker - believes a switch to La Liga would be detrimental to his developing career.
"I think we all know his development needs to continue and that's in the Premier League," Dyche told Sky Sports' Goals on Sunday.
"The middle of La Liga is no use for a young player, I don't personally think so – albeit it is a great standard.
"I think he's better than that. I think he's top end of the Premier League.
"He would only move abroad for financial reasons. It's not for development. His development is top end of the Premier League. It's the most powerful league in the world.
"His aspirations, as they should be, are to play for his national side and he definitely wants to play for England. I think his journey is in the Premier League."
The Spain international will miss Sunday's game along with Dani Alves after failing to recover from a virus
Andres Iniesta has been ruled out of Barcelona's clash with Levante on Sunday with a bout of flu.
The Spain international sat out the Catalans' final training session on the eve of the game at Camp Nou after being laid low by the virus, but it was hoped he would recover in time to retain his place in the starting line-up.
However, Iniesta, who netted the second goal in Barca's 3-1 Copa del Rey win over Villarreal in midweek, has now been forced to withdraw from the squad.
Barca also revealed that goalkeeper Jordi Masip will miss the game through injury, joining long-term absentees Douglas and Thomas Vermaelen and the suspended Dani Alves on the sidelines.
The Blaugrana, who are on an 10-game winning streak in all competitions, need to triumph at Camp Nou in order to move back to within a single point of Liga leaders Real Madrid, who saw off Deportivo 2-0 on Saturday night.
The Barcelona boss was happy with his side's display - especially the efforts of Pedro and Lionel Messi - but says it is trophies that matter this season
Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique says equalling Pep Guardiola's record run of wins will mean nothing if his side fail to win titles this season.
Since their 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad last month, Barca have won 11 successive matches in all competitions for the first time since the 2008-09 season - the first campaign under Guardiola.
Luis Enrique, however, is far more concerned with his players enjoying their football - and the promise of lifting silverware at the end of the season,
"Guardiola's record? I didn't know I had equalled the 11 wins, records do not interest me. The idea is to enjoy ourselves," he told a press conference after the win over Levante.
"We’ll only value it when the season ends. If we win titles then that’d be very good.
"We've played a great second half. I'm happy. It's a victory that strengthens us all.
"This is a team that is accustomed to distractions from outside. It is important to focus and improve."
Lionel Messi - who struck a hat-trick on his 300th La Liga appearance - was once more kept out for the full 90 minutes but Luis Enrique is adamant it is better not to rest the Argentine,
"I don't bring him off because the idea is to get the most out of him," he said. "Against teams that sit back, we have to play with pace and power.
"Leo playing a lot is key for us. When there are players crowding the middle it’s difficult, but we knew he'd solve all our problems."
Pedro was handed a start in place of Luis Suarez and delivered an excellent display in the 5-0 win, leaving his coach rueful that he cannot allow him more regular action.
"It's a shame for me not to give more minutes to more people. Pedro is a key player for us, I would like to give him many more minutes because he deserves it," he added.
La Liga Review: Messi equals hat-trick record in Barca rout, Atletico hopes dented
15 February 2015
Lionel Messi scored a record-equalling 23rd La Liga hat-trick in his 300th league appearance to keep Barcelona a point behind Real Madrid.
Lionel Messi scored a record-equalling 23rd La Liga hat-trick in his 300th La Liga appearance as Barcelona hammered Levante 5-0 to keep up the pressure on league leaders Real Madrid on Sunday.
The Argentinean talisman supplied the first goal for Neymar in the 17th minute before side-footing past Diego Marino to double Barca's lead 21 minutes later.
Messi's close-range finish made it 3-0 on the hour-mark and when Ivan Lopez brought down Neymar in the box after 65 minutes, Messi sealed his hat-trick.
Luis Suarez rounded off the scoring with a spectacular overhead kick which confirmed an 11th successive win for the Catalan giants - a record shared from Pep Guardiola's time in charge.
But once again, Messi took the plaudits with his latest hat-trick, putting him level with Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
The rout reduced Real's lead atop the table to a solitary point through 23 matches.
Defending champions Atletico Madrid are six points further back after losing 2-0 at Celta Vigo.
In a significant dent to their title defence, Diego Simeone's men struggled to get to grips with their hosts all night and Celta took a deserved lead 10 minutes after the break when Nolito converted a penalty.
Atletico were left furious because in the same move, Augusto Fernandez appeared to have handled the ball.
Fabian Orellana's clinical strike 20 minutes from the end confirmed the win for Celta, who have taken four points off the champions this season.
Valencia moved into the top four with a 1-0 win over Getafe thanks to an Alvaro Negredo penalty.
The on loan Manchester City forward stepped up with 18 minutes remaining as Valencia continued their great recent run of form which has seen them record four wins in the last five league outings.
Elsewhere, Villarreal lost for only the second time in their last 13 league games after a 2-0 defeat at Rayo Vallecano.
Both goals came in the second, with Alberto Bueno nudging home from close range and Gael Kakuta's well-timed run into the box.
Rayo are the only side other than Barcelona that Villarreal have lost to in any competition in 22 games.
Eibar 0 Elche 1: Neat Jonathas header proves the difference
16 February 2015
A neat Jonathas header proved the difference as Elche won 1-0 at Eibar to boost their La Liga survival prospects.
Jonathas' second-half header earned Elche a priceless 1-0 win at 10-man Eibar on Monday in their La Liga relegation scrap.
The Brazilian forward beat the offside trap to nod home the only goal on an evening to forget for Federico Piovaccari, who had an effort of his own disallowed in the first half and was sent off late on for elbowing Edu Albacar.
The home side thought they had broken the deadlock on the stroke of half-time when Piovaccari's header had goalkeeper Przemyslaw Tyton scrambling across his goalline in an attempt to keep it out.
But any celebrations were cut short through a combination of confusion over whether the ball had crossed the line and by an offside flag.
And Elche made the most of the reprieve by edging ahead five minutes after the restart.
Albacar's in-swinging free-kick floated as far as Jonathas and his flicked header deceived Xabi Irureta, who led protests for offside that fell on deaf ears.
Eibar were reduced to 10 men with 12 minutes remaining when Piovaccari was given a straight red card for catching Albacar in the face with a forearm as the duo tussled for an aerial ball.
Victory gives Elche a four-point cushion over third-bottom Granada.
Lionel Messi remains the key to Barcelona challenging for honours over the next few years, according to team-mate Andres Iniesta.
Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta feels the future of Lionel Messi is "fundamental" to the club's ability to compete both domestically and in Europe over the coming years.
The Argentina captain - who marked his 300th Liga appearance with a hat-trick in Sunday's 5-0 win over Levante - has seen his future become the subject of much discussion in recent months.
An apparent disagreement with coach Luis Enrique, coupled with suggestions from Messi that he did not know where he would be playing next season, fuelled rumours the 27-year-old may leave Camp Nou.
However, Iniesta told FIFA.com: "I hope and wish that Leo can be with Barca for a long time, because he has been, is and will be fundamental to our competing for honours. That's my sole desire."
While Sunday's win extended Barca's winning streak to 11 matches in all competitions, the last few months have been somewhat tumultuous for the Catalan giants.
With a court case ongoing with regards to alleged tax fraud surrounding the signing of Neymar and the club subject to a transfer ban in 2015 for broken rules in relation to the signing of youth players, Iniesta acknowledged it has been difficult to keep focus.
"Look, there's no denying that when there's so much talk on the outside and when it’s not about football or your play, it can affect things," he added.
"You try, or at least should try, to ignore all of that because a lot of it isn't true. The sheer number of reports can annoy you. That said, we know we're at a club where a lot is asked of you, where everything is magnified tenfold.
"There are so many opinions and a lot of things can come from that. When things aren't going exactly to plan, then we have to deal with those kind of situations.
"The only way we can change that and make the public more settled is by playing well and winning.
"That way they forget a bit about all the stuff on the outside and focus instead on what their players are doing on the pitch."
Barcelona's fringe players are ready to play a part in the club's bid for silverware this season, according to defender Marc Bartra.
After a much-changed Barcelona side eased to a 5-0 win over Levante on Sunday, Marc Bartra feels plenty of credit should go to Luis Enrique's more underused players.
The Barca boss made eight changes to his starting XI from the Copa del Rey win over Villarreal in midweek with Lionel Messi's hat-trick and further goals from Neymar and Luis Suarez helping the Catalans move within a point of leaders Real Madrid.
And Bartra, who set up Messi's second, is hopeful of contributing more towards Luis Enrique's bid for trophies.
"This big win is a result of the hard work we do in training. We are feeling fit and are all playing a part in this good run," he told reporters after Barca's 11th consecutive victory in all competitions.
"The most important thing is that we maintain the same level when us less regular players get a game. Or to even improve the level if we can.
"If the boss needs me, then I'm always ready to answer his call. I need to be ready to help out at any time."
While Levante initially frustrated their hosts, Messi's quality eventually paid off as the Argentina captain marked his 300th Liga appearance with a hat-trick - with Bartra providing the assist for his first goal before half-time.
"When teams come to the Camp Nou we need to suffocate them, put pressure on them and not let them out of their half," Bartra added.
"I set up Messi’s goal today, but he did the most difficult bit."
