Suarez hits hat-trick in Barcelona win

Barcelona's Luis Suarez shoots to score a goal against Celta Vigo at the Camp Nou stadium, Barcelona, Feb 14, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

MADRID - Luis Suarez scored a hat-trick as FC Barcelona produced a second half avalanche of goals to beat a tired Celta Vigo 6-1 in the Camp Nou Stadium on Sunday to remain top of the BBVA Primera Liga on a weekend when the top six sides in Spain all won.

Leo Messi put Barca ahead in the first half but John Guidetti leveled from the penalty spot before the break before Suarez sprang into action with goals in the 59th, 75th and 81st minutes to kill the game before late goals from Ivan Rakitic and Neymar put the icing on the cake for Barca.

Fernando Torres scored after one minute for Atletico Madrid away to Getafe and that was basically it in a game where Atletico were content to hold on to their lead in a windy and cold Alfonso Perez stadium.

Diego Simeone's side have not conceded a goal in their last 11 games against their local rivals, while scoring 23 themselves.

Real Madrid kept in the title hunt after an exciting 4-2 win at home to Athletic Club Bilbao, who deserved more for their courage and football, but were undone by Real Madrid's firepower.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the third minute and Athletic drew level through Javi Erraso, but just as they were playing their best football, James Rodriguez scored with a shot from nowhere and Tony Kroos made it 3-1 on the stroke of halftime.

Ronaldo's second of the game came four minutes from the end, although Gorka Elustondo gave the visitors some pride in the last minute.

Roberto Soldado's 19th minute goal strengthened Villarreal's grip on fourth prlace, while Gary Neville will breathe slightly easier after seeing his side win a league game for the first time since he took over.

It has taken 10 games for Neville to see his side win in the league and Denis Cheryshev's 76th minute goal which put them in front of an Espanyol in crisis was the first time his side had even taken the lead in all of that time.

Oscar Duarte had put Espanyol ahead early in the second half, only for Alvaro Negredo and Cheryshev to overturn the score in just three minutes which have probably saved Neville's job.

Fifth placed Sevilla equaled a club record of 11 consecutive home wins in the league with a 2-0 at home to struggling Las Palmas. Second half substitute Vitolo came on to set up Ever Banega and Kevin Gameiro for the goals to condemn his former club to their 22nd consecutive away game without a win in the Spanish top flight.

Eibar moved into sixth place thanks to a 2-0 win at home to Levante, with Borja Baston scoring his 16th goal of the season and Adrian Gonzalez helping the Basque side beat last season's points total in the top flight.

Former youth team player Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice as Real Sociedad enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Granada, a result which could complicate matters for Granada coach Jose Ramon Sandoval. Jonathas scored Real Sociedad's second goal in a result which lifts them into mid-table.

Finally Deportivo la Coruna and Betis shared the points in an entertaining 2-2 draw with goals from Alex Bergantinos, Musonda, Vargas and Faycal Fajir.