BARCELONA, Spain (AP) – Record-chasing Lionel Messi and Neymar scored as Spanish league leader Barcelona eased to a 2-0 win at nine-man Rayo Vallecano today.
Messi chipped goalkeeper Antonio “Tono” Rodriguez in the 35th minute for his 249th league goal, leaving him two behind the all-time scoring record held by Telmo Zarra since 1955.
A minute later, Neymar added his seventh league goal in as many rounds, giving the strike pair a combined 13 of Barcelona’s 19 goals in league play.
Rayo was spared a larger defeat thanks to Barcelona not exploiting their chances, despite the hosts finishing two men down after Jorge Morcillo and Javier Aquino received their second bookings.
Barcelona’s sixth win, to go with one draw, left them two points ahead of Valencia after they beat Atletico Madrid 3-1.
Valencia stunned Atletico Madrid with three goals in the first 13 minutes before holding on to win at Mestalla Stadium.
Atletico’s first league loss this season left the defending champion five points adrift of Barcelona and provisionally in third. Sevilla, Real Madrid and Celta Vigo can all pass them with wins tomorrow.
Also, Eibar scored in injury time to earn a thrilling 3-3 draw with visitors Levante.
