Messi, Suarez shines as Barca thrashes Cordoba 5-0

Spanish giants Barcelona brushed aside newly-promoted opponent Cordoba 5-0 to close the gap on table leaders Real Madrid to one point as Luis Suarez scored his first goal in the league, with Lionel Messi netting two late brace to clinch an easy win.

Spain forward Pedro gave the Catalans an early lead, before Suarez, who was banned until October for biting, netted a second one shortly after half-time. The lead was further extended by Gerard Pique's stunning header in the 80th minute before Messi netted a brace to register an invincible win before full-time.

Earlier in the week, Barca slipped four points adrift of Madrid on account of a frustrating 0-0 draw at Getafe.

With Real not playing because of their involvement in the Club World Cup, Barca seized the chance to keep the pressure on their arch-rivals, the BBC reported.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid claimed their fourth trophy of the year following their 2-0 win against South American champions San Lorenzo in the Club World Cup final in Morocco.