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Barcelona 5-3 Granada

:Headline: Result: Barcelona 5-3 Granada: ID:20748: from db_amp
Barcelona close the gap on Real Madrid to just five points as Lionel Messi's eighth hat-trick of the season helps them beat Granada at the Nou Camp.

Barcelona have closed the gap on Real Madrid to just five points at the top of La Liga after Lionel Messi's eighth hat-trick of the season helped them to secure a victory over Granada at the Nou Camp.

Xavi gave the hosts the lead after four minutes with a crisp eight-yard finish after Messi had nodded into his path.

Messi doubled the lead 13 minutes later with a side-footed volley from Isaac Cuenca's cross.

The strike was the Argentinean's 232nd for the club and it equalled the all-time goalscoring record of Cesar Rodriguez.

A rare Granada attack 10 minutes into the second half provided the visitors with hope as Carlos Martins's whipped free kick was headed home by captain Diego Mainz.

To the shock of the 62,401 in attendance, Abel Resino's side then levelled the scores seven minutes later as Guilherme Siqueira coolly converted from the penalty spot after Dani Alves had felled Daniel Benitez.

Shock was quickly turned to celebration as Messi made history and became the club's sole leading scorer in the 72nd minute by chipping Julio Cesar after collecting a fine Alves through pass.

Substitute Cristian Tello restored the two-goal cushion eight minutes from time with his third goal in three games, before Messi completed his hat-trick four minutes later.

The night ended on a sour note for Pep Guardiola's side as Alves conceded his second penalty of the game, this time for handling in the final minute of regulation time. The Brazilian full-back was shown a second yellow card and Siqueira again netted from 12 yards.

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Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona12110140112933
2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano124441313016
10Celta Vigo125161820-216
11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
16Leganes122551216-411
17Getafe12174810-210
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97
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