Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona came from behind to beat 10-man Valencia 4 - 2 on Sunday night.
The Catalans were playing their first home game since the 6 - 1 comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Barcelona looked lethergic early on though Luis Suarez should have done better when he found himself one-on-one with Diego Alves.
Manchester City loanee Eliaquim Mangala gave Voro Gonzalez's side the lead after 29 minutes when he converted from Dani Parejo's corner.
Barcelona equalized when Neymar teed up Luis Suarez to draw the game level.
There was controversy however as shortly before half-time, Mangala conceded a penalty and was sent off, Lionel Messi duly scoring from the spot.
Former Barcelona formard Munir El Haddadi drew Valencia level almost immediately against his parent club and it looked like the team with 10 men would nick it.
Messi however came to the rescue on 52 minutes when he dribbled past Abdeynoor in the box to make it 3 - 2 on the night.
La Pulga picked up a booking for protesting a non given foul and he was duly booked which means he would miss the trip to Granada in the first game back from the international break.
Barcelona continued to pile on the pressure and it told when Neymar when on mazy run from he left to tee up Andre Gomes to score the fourth against his former club n the 90th minute.
The win moves them back to within two points of Madrid, who still hold a game in hand over the reigning champions.
Below is the highlights if the game:
Enjoy!
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