Luis Suarez provided a goal and three assists as Barcelona opened up a three-point gap at the top of LaLiga after a 4-1 victory over Alaves at Nou Camp.

The Uruguay international set up Antoine Griezmann and Arturo Vidal in the first half before assisting Lionel Messi deep into the second and adding a penalty himself after 75 minutes as Barca extended their unbeaten league run to seven matches.

Pere Pons replied for Alaves, who dropped down to 15th as a result after a four-match winless run.

The hosts began to dominate from the whistle and Vidal was unlucky as he got caught offside when set up by Messi after seven minutes.

But Barca fought back and Suarez claimed a hat-trick of assists as he provided the pass for Messi to fire home his 13 league goal this season with a powerful effort from outside the 18-yard box after 69 minutes.

Former Liverpool forward Suarez put the score beyond doubt with 15 minutes remaining as he slotted a penalty into the bottom-left corner – awarded for handball against Martin Aguirregabiria.

The home side still searched for a fifth goal and midfielder Frenkie De Jong came off the bench for the final 10 minutes as he replaced Sergio Busquets as they pressed, while Ter Stegen was tested at the other end.

Messi fired a free-kick over the crossbar as the minutes ticked down and they sealed their spot at the top of the table, most likely until the end of the year as they hold a three-point and five-goal advantage over nearest rivals Real Madrid, who play on Sunday.