Lionel Messi free kick earns Barcelona nervy win over Athletic Bilbao

Barcelona were far from their fluent best, and went behind in the 50th minute when Aritz Aduriz tucked the ball beyond Pinto in the hosts' goal. The Bilbao forward has already missed two presentable chances as Barcelona's defensive struggles continued. Under-fire Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino cut a weary figure on the touchline, and an attendance of just over 30,000 suggested a lack of belief in the stands that Barcelona could overturn the gap to surprise leaders Atlético.

It was not until the 72nd that the hosts gave the sparse Nou Camp crowd something to cheer, as Pedro turned in a fortunate rebound to equalise after a spell of Barcelona pressure. Just two minutes later, Lionel Messi, who had been uncharacteristically profligate throughout, scored with a deflected free kick. Barcelona held on for the win, but the performance did little to ease the disillusion among the home supporters. Elsewhere, Sevilla warmed up for next week's Europa League semi-final against Valencia with an emphatic 4-0 win over Granada.

The visitors made a bright start to the game but went behind after 15 minutes due to an own goal by Diego Mainz. Lucas Alcaraz's side collapsed after the break, with Kevin Gameiro, Stephane M'Bia and Vitolo all scoring in the space of 17 minutes. The win sees Sevilla close the gap on Athletic Bilbao to just three points in the race for the fourth and final Champions League place.

Rayo Vallecano continued their march towards safety with a convincing 3-1 win over bottom club Real Betis. Visiting defender Paulao mishit a back pass towards his goalkeeper to gift Ruben Rochina the opening goal on 14 minutes, and things got even worse for the Brazilian when he diverted a cross into his own net shortly before the half-hour mark. Joaquin Larrivey made sure of the points with a third goal early in the second half, before Javi Chica scored a consolation.

Almeria's relegation fears deepened as they slumped to a 4-2 home defeat to Celta Vigo. Charles, Nolito (2) and Fabian Orellana scored for the visitors, with Rodri and Diaz on the scoresheet for the struggling hosts