Messi sparkles in Barcelona Christmas stroll

Barcelona go into brief Spanish winter break on top of La Liga after a glittering show from Lionel Messi helped defending champions beat Alaves 4-1. Real Madrid, who drew 0-0 at Camp u in midweek Clasico, can draw level top on 39 points but behind on goal difference if y win at home to Atletico Bilbao on Sunday. Seville are assured third place over Christmas on 34 points after ir 2-0 win at Real Mallorca. France World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann put Barca ahead on Saturday with a lovely snap-shot from outside area after a slick exchange with Messi on 14 minutes.

"I needed to score a goal before holidays, w I can go into m happy with myself," said Griezmann who has scored just seven goals since his summer move.

"We have a great team with some of best players around and when we don't click, well, re's always Messi." 

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Messi had already had a better strike ruled out by a harsh VAR decision, while Mohican-haired Chile forward Arturo Vidal had tried a dramatic overhead effort that Alaves goalkeeper just about stopped with his feet. Vidal bagged a second just before half-time when put into open on right as Barcelona overwhelmed visitors, but y should have gone into break more than 2-0 ahead. Pere Pons pulled one back on 56 minute for Alaves with neir Gerard Pique r returning Samuel Umtiti on hand as his header flew home from close range. Even with four defenders around him, Messi was unstoppable on 69 minutes as he unleashed a trademark left foot strike from outside box.

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Golden goal

goal illustrated why diminutive attacker recently won a sixth Ballon d'Or. "It's an ermous advant having Leo (Messi), he can score you a goal from anywhere at any time," said Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde. A sweetly-struck Luis Suarez penalty made it 4-1 on 75 minutes.

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Messi goes into break as La Liga's top marksman with 13 goals ahead of Real's Karim Benzema on 12. Real coach Zinedine Zidane on Saturday promised to fight Barca all way for la Liga title this season, as y prepare to host a motivated Athletic Bilbao Sunday. "Bilbao are ar rival and a different proposition. We will play m with all our energy, it's last game of year. " league is our priority and we will fight for it all way," he said.

re was a Latin American flavour to Sevilla's 2-0 win at Mallorca earlier on Saturday as Brazilian defender Diego Carlos scored one and provided or goal for Argentine Ever Banega. victory ensured Andalusians go into break firmly in Champions League qualifying spots. As for Mallorca, who only have 15 points at half-way st, y are playing with fire just five points clear of rock-bottom Espanyol. 

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