GOAL 

Luis Suarez scored a second half hat-trick as Barcelona beat 10-man Athletic Bilbao 6-0 to remain two points behind Atletico Madrid, albeit with a game in hand. 

Lionel Messi, Neymar and Ivan Rakitic were also on target as Luis Enrique's side showed little mercy to their Basque visitors. 

However, Barca will hope knocks picked up by Messi and Alba - who both left the pitch with hamstring problems - will not put a dampner on what was a fine performance. 

The game was effectively over as early as the third minute when Gorka Iraizoz was dismissed for taking down last man Suarez.

Messi converted from the spot and a comfortable evening followed for Barca. 

Neymar added the second, craftily chipping over substitute goalkeeper Iago Herrerin following more good work from Suarez.

Shortly after the break the Uruguayan then added his own name to the score sheet, calmly rolling home after a neat one-two with Neymar. 

Rakitic then converted after a fine piece of skill, with Suarez going on to complete his treble thanks to assists from Arda Turan and Sergio Busquets.