La Liga: Messi inspires Barcelona past Levante to extend unbeaten run, Celta hold Real Madrid

It was business as usual as leaders, Barcelona continued from where they stopped before the break with a comfortable 3-0 win over Levante on Sunday.

Lionel Messi was in his inspirational best, scoring a landmark effort and setting up another for Paulinho Bezerra, who scored Barca’s third of the evening, but after a delicious Luis Suarez volley put the hosts 2-0 up.

Messi has now equalled Gerd Muller’s record of 365goals for a single club in Europe top flight division.

On a day the Catalans unveiled latest signing, Philippe Coutinho, who joined from English side, Liverpool, on a deal worth £145million, Barca were untouchable, and excellent, giving their fans more reason to celebrate.

It was a convincing performance from Ernesto Valverde side, against a determined Levante team, who had chances of their own but met a brilliant Andre Ter Stegen in goal for the league leaders.

The win sees Barca remain unbeaten, and have now gone 27 games without defeat in all competitions.

The Blaugranas restored their nine points lead at the top of the league over second placed Atletico Madrid, who had reduced the deficit with a 2-0 win against Getafe on Saturday.

While Barca were convincing, their bitter rivals, Real Madrid, continue to struggle.

The defending champions have found their title defence more difficult than they’d imagine, as they were held to a disappointing 2-2 draw by Celta Vigo.

Looking to bounce back from the defeat to Barcelona before the break, Zinedine Zidane’s side started on the worst possible note as Daniel Wass gave the home side a shock lead in the 33rd minute.

But two quick goals from Gareth Bale turned the game in favour of Madrid, who went into the break with a 2-1 advantage.

However, the hosts had an opportunity to draw level when a penalty was awarded, but Iago Aspas missed the spot kick.

Celta finally drew level via Maximiliano Gomez, who earned his side a point with his calmly taken effort eight minutes from time.

The result means Madrid move further behind Barca, who now lead Los Blancos by 16points and surely, that’s their title defence done and dusted.

Full Results
Leganes 1-0 Real Sociedad
Barcelona 3-0 Levante
Athletic Club 2-0 Alaves
Villarreal 1-1 Deportivo
Celta 2-2 Real Madrid