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Barcelona 5-3 Granada

Barcelona 5-3 Granada
© PA Photos
Barcelona close the gap on Real Madrid to just five points as Lionel Messi's eighth hat-trick of the season helps them beat Granada at the Nou Camp.

Barcelona have closed the gap on Real Madrid to just five points at the top of La Liga after Lionel Messi's eighth hat-trick of the season helped them to secure a victory over Granada at the Nou Camp.

Xavi gave the hosts the lead after four minutes with a crisp eight-yard finish after Messi had nodded into his path.

Messi doubled the lead 13 minutes later with a side-footed volley from Isaac Cuenca's cross.

The strike was the Argentinean's 232nd for the club and it equalled the all-time goalscoring record of Cesar Rodriguez.

A rare Granada attack 10 minutes into the second half provided the visitors with hope as Carlos Martins's whipped free kick was headed home by captain Diego Mainz.

To the shock of the 62,401 in attendance, Abel Resino's side then levelled the scores seven minutes later as Guilherme Siqueira coolly converted from the penalty spot after Dani Alves had felled Daniel Benitez.

Shock was quickly turned to celebration as Messi made history and became the club's sole leading scorer in the 72nd minute by chipping Julio Cesar after collecting a fine Alves through pass.

Substitute Cristian Tello restored the two-goal cushion eight minutes from time with his third goal in three games, before Messi completed his hat-trick four minutes later.

The night ended on a sour note for Pep Guardiola's side as Alves conceded his second penalty of the game, this time for handling in the final minute of regulation time. The Brazilian full-back was shown a second yellow card and Siqueira again netted from 12 yards.

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Lassana Diarra
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid33266171224984
2GironaGirona33225669402971
3Barcelona32217464372770
4Atletico MadridAtletico33204962392364
5Athletic Bilbao331610753332058
6Real Sociedad331312846351151
7Real BetisBetis33121384139249
8Valencia32138113534147
9Villarreal33129125455-145
10Getafe331013104145-443
11Osasuna33116163749-1239
12Sevilla33911134246-438
13AlavesAlaves33108153138-738
14Las PalmasLas Palmas33107163041-1137
15Rayo Vallecano33713132742-1534
16Mallorca33614132739-1232
17Celta Vigo33710163750-1331
18CadizCadiz33414152346-2326
19Granada3349203661-2521
RAlmeria33111213267-3514


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