Neymar scored twice and Lionel Messi was also on target to inspire Barcelona to a 3-0 win over Celta Vigo but the victory was soured by an injury to goalkeeper Victor Valdes.
Barcelona have 72 points in second place, two more than Real Madrid who fell from first to third following a surprise defeat at Sevilla.
The new outright leader of La Liga is Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid, who took advantage of their neighbour’s slip thanks to a 1-0 win over Granada this evening. The Colchonero now lie one point ahead of Barca at the summit, with Madrid three back.
The Catalan side were brimming with confidence after their weekend Clasico victory over Real and Neymar scored from close range to put them ahead after six minutes before Lionel Messi slotted home on the half-hour mark.
Neymar latched on to a long ball from Alexis Sanchez and scored his ninth league goal of the season to complete the rout in the second half.
Atletico can return to the top when they take on Granada and Real face a difficult match at Sevilla.
buenosairesherald.com