Athletic Bilbao 2-5 Barcelona: Luis Suarez scores as Catalans move within a point of Real Madrid

Lionel Messi, Neymar and Pedro also got on the scoresheet as Luis Enrique's side took full advantage of Real Madrid's thrashing at the hands of Atletico on Saturday

Ruthless: Barca have scored 21 goals in their last five league games

Barcelona thumped five past Athletic Bilbao to move within a point of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.

Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar all got on the scoresheet as Luis Enrique's siderecorded a fifth consecutive league victory.

The Catalan giants knew a win would close the gap on Los Blancos after they were thrashed by defending champions Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

And Messi wasted no time in getting his side off the mark as he opened the scoring after just 15 minutes, his free-kick deflecting past Gorka Iraizoz.

Former Liverpool man Suarez then doubled the lead just shy of the half-hour mark with a classy finish from outside the area.

Miguel Ruiz

In form: Messi and Neymar have scored 56 goals between them this season

The Basque side pulled a goal back through Mikel Rico on 59 minutes but just three minutes later an own-goal by defender Oscar De Marcos restored Barca's two goal advantage.

Brazilian star Neymar increased the Blaugrana's lead after a moment of genius from Messi, with his 23rd goal of the season, before veteran striker Aritz Aduriz reduced the arrears once more to make it 4-2.

But any hopes of a spectacular comeback for Los Leones were put to bed when Xabier Etxeita was given a straight red card for a cynical foul on Suarez, before substitute Pedro rounded off the scoring four minutes from time.