Star striker Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona, who tasted defeats in its last two matches against Malaga and Juventus, earned a hard-fought win 3-2 over Real Sociedad in La Liga at Camp Nou on Saturday.
Messi struck twice in the first half (17',37' ) to take his tally for the Catalans to 498 goals in all competitions, before Samuel Umtiti's own goal gave Real hope.
The Argentine international then set up Paco Alcacer to make it 3-1, with Xabi Prieto quickly responding to make it four goals in the last eight minutes of an enthralling first half, reports goal.com.
Barcelona are three points below Real Madrid, who have a game in hand, going into El Clasico next weekend.
The champions host Juventus on Wednesday in the Champions League quarter-final, having lost the first leg 3-0 in Italy.
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