Barcelona 2-0 Valencia

1. Suarez prods in after just 55 seconds
2. Messi pounces on rebound with last kick of the game
3. Barca move five points clear of Real Madrid
4. Madrid host Malaga later today (19:00 BST)
5. FT: Hoffenheim 0-2 Bayern Munich

Right, that's game over for this live text commentary - but, in the immortal words of Arnie Schwarzenegger, I'll be back.

I'll be back in about 90 minutes to bring you the latest from the Santiago Bernabeu, where Real Madrid host Malaga hoping to close Barcelona's five-point lead. Adios!

French Ligue 1

French champions Paris St-Germain are looking to move top of Ligue 1 - for 24 hours at least as current frontrunners Lyon play tomorrow.

But Laurent Blanc's side are only drawing at mid-table Nice, who cancelled out Javier Pastore's opener with almost the last kick of the first half.

We are just approaching the hour mark on the Cote d'Azur.

Spanish La Liga

Valencia's defeat at the Nou Camp means defending champions Atletico Madrid can consolidate third place with a win at relegation-threatened Deportivo.

And Diego Simeone's men are going the right way about it. France forward Antoine Griezmann sticks them ahead after seven minutes.

A win will move them four points behind neighbours Real Madrid, who play later on.

Stats of the day

BBC

Messi magic

And, thanks to our statty friends at Opta, take a look at exactly how Lionel Messi has brought up the 400 mark...

Opta

FULL-TIME

Does a week ever go by without Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo passing a new landmark? Doesn't feel like it. Messi's late goal against Valencia is his 400th goal for Barcelona.

FULL-TIME

Andy West

Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"Messi's goal and the final whistle immediately after are the cues for relieved celebrations from the home fans - three more points for Barca and they won't have many tougher games than that over the remainder of the season. Valencia ran them ragged at times in the first half but they held on and are now just six wins away from regaining the title."

FULL-TIME

Referee Jose Luis Gonzalez toots his whistle for the final time today - game over. Massive win for La Liga leaders Barcelona, who move five points of Real Madrid. Los Merengues, of course, host Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu in a couple of hours...

Andy West

Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"Gooool! Messi is left completely alone as a desperate Valencia attack breaks down. He only has Diego Alves to beat, and although the Valencia keeper bats away his attempted lob, the rebound falls straight back to Messi who prods it home with the final kick of the game!"

GOAL

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They think it is all over - it is now! Lionel Messi (who else?) puts the gloss on a crucial win for the Spanish leaders. The Argentine superstar pounces on a rebound to fire in the second goal.

YELLOW CARD

Barca have been given a rough ride by fourth-placed Valencia - no doubt about it. Home keeper Claudio Bravo resorts to some time-wasting as the clock ticks down and the Chilean receives a yellow card for his troubles.

INJURY TIME

The fourth official strides forward to the Nou Camp touchline, giant electronic board clasped in his hands. He raises it skywards to reveal there will be three minutes of stoppage time. Can Barca see out a vital win?

CLOSE!

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Should be game over for Valencia - but it isn't. Barca sub Pedro smashes into the side-netting after being slid in by Lionel Messi.

Andy West

Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"Well into the final five now and no sign of a Valencia leveller at this stage. They look tired, which is no surprise after their intense effort of the first half. But Barca stunned them with an injury time winner at Mestalla earlier in the season...time to get their own back?"

Spanish La Liga

Neymar wriggles clear of the away defence in the channel, but the Brazil skipper cannot pick out a Blaugrana shirt in the box.

SUBSTITUTION

Less than 10 minutes to go at the Nou Camp - and Barcelona decide to make another change. Veteran skipper Xavi's ageing legs are given a rest, with Sergi Roberto sprinting on in his place.

Andy West

Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

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"It's been a frustrating game for Neymar. Not much has gone his way and now he finally gets up a head of steam, charging towards the Valencia goal, only to be sent flying by Shkodran Mustafi with a challenge straight from the wrestling ring. One of the more obvious yellow cards you'll see is duly brandished."

CLOSE!

Another chance goes begging for a Valencia equaliser! Los Che create their best opportunity of the second period when a loose ball drops to Rodrigo, whose fierce snapshot is well parried by home keeper Claudio Bravo. Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, who needs title rivals Barca to drop some points, must be kicking a chair in frustration somewhere in the bowels of the Bernabeu...

SUBSTITUTION

Here comes the cavalry. Or the Beast to be more precise. On-loan Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo enters the action for the final 15 minutes or so. He replaces fellow Spain international Paco Alcacer, who was such a threat in the first half but has since faded.

French Ligue 1

Let's head north from Barcelona for a moment, nip across the Pyrenees and along the coast to the French sunshine city of Nice.

Half an hour has gone in the Allianz Riviera, where the home side entertain defending champions Paris St-Germain. And the visitors could be behind. Nice's Carlos Eduardo escapes the PSG defence after a horrible error by David Luiz, only to let the Brazilian off the hook with a heavy touch.

Andy West

Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"Huge ovation for Luis Suarez as he's replaced by Pedro. Two goals in a Champions League quarter-final and the opener in a must-win league game in the space of four days - no wonder he's so popular."

SUBSTITUTION

Barca boss Luis Enrique decides it is time for another tactical change - but I didn't see this one coming. Man of the moment Luis Suarez, who netted the only goal of the game after 55 seconds remember, is withdrawn for Pedro.

Andy West

Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"Quieter start to the second half, much quieter. Barca are enjoying a lot more comfortable possession but I get the impression Valencia are happy to let that happen for now, perhaps trying to make sure they don't go further behind and saving themselves for another big push later on."

FULL-TIME

AP

And that intervention from the unfortunate Andreas Beck is pretty much the last kick of the match. Bayern go 13 points clear of second-placed Wolfsburg, who play tomorrow against Schalke.

GOAL

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Game. Set. Match. Hoffenheim defender Andreas Beck desperately slides in to stop Thomas Muller's low cross from the right - but only succeeds in turning the ball into his own net.

Spanish La Liga

All quiet in the Nou Camp at the moment - exactly how Barcelona would like it. Although Valencia are looking the more threatening as they enjoy plenty of possession in the Barca half.

German Bundesliga

Little less than five minutes to go as Bayern Munich look to move a step closer to their third straight Bundesliga title. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund - in their first match since Jurgen Klopp announced he will leave in the summer - are leading 3-0 now against Paderborn thanks to Shinji Kagawa's smart finish.

Andy West

Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"Quieter start to the second half, much quieter. Barca are enjoying a lot more comfortable possession but I get the impression Valencia are happy to let that happen for now, perhaps trying to make sure they don't go further behind and saving themselves for another big push later on."

Spanish La Liga

Barcelona are struggling to create many clearcut chances, with Valencia keeper Diego Alves having a relatively quiet afternoon - other than picking the ball out of his net of course. However, he is required by his side to easily gather Neymar's header from a Dani Alves cross.

Andy West

Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"When you're trailing 1-0 but creating chances, what you really need is a proven goalscorer on the bench. Just as well for Valencia, then, that they have a certain Alvaro Negredo warming up on the sidelines. Won't be long before he's into the action."

Spanish La Liga

Barca cannot replicate that lightning-fast start of the first half after the interval - but Luis Suarez briefly threatens again. The Uruguayan latches on to Lionel Messi's throughball - the same combination as for the goal - but is stopped in his tracks by the linesman's raised flag. He's offside.

German Bundesliga

@FCBayern_EN

Here's Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer in action against Hoffenheim. And, no, that's not the edge of his 18-yard box - it's the halfway line.

SUBSTITUTION

Barcelona are not the only ones to make a tactical switch. Valencia decide on a change of personnel too - Jose Gaya replacing left-back Lucas Orban, who was skating on thin ice with a yellow card.

Gaya is one of the most highly-rated young players in Spain and has been heavily linked to Real Madrid after failing to agree a new contract with Valencia.

Oh, and we have been back under way for a few moments. Nothing of note to report though....

SUBSTITUTION

Andy West

Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"Ivan Rakitic on at half-time for Barca. Something needed to change and Luis Enrique has added greater dynamism and physicality to his midfield, which looks needed against this energetic Valencia team.

"That prompts a raft of positional changes as Sergio Busquets drops back into defensive midfield, Javier Mascherano goes into defence and Jeremy Mathieu moves to left-back to replace the substituted Adriano. Got that?"

Spanish La Liga

The Barcelona players re-emerge from the Nou Camp tunnel, closely followed by their opponents. The fourth official springs into action before the game restarts - a substitution appears to be in the offing...

German Bundesliga

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Dortmund appear to be responding well to Jurgen Klopp's shock announcement that he will be leaving at the end of the season. They currently lead Paderborn 2-0 thanks to goals from Henrik Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Match stats

Spanish La Liga

BBC

Stat attack

French Ligue 1

PSG have kept a clean sheet only twice in their last 12 away games in Ligue 1.

Spanish La Liga

Spanish football writer Sid Lowe at the Nou Camp on Twitter: "Andy Murray at the game ... missed the first goal."

French Ligue 1

French champions Paris St-Germain, who are two points behind leaders Lyon, are about to kick off at mid-table Nice. But they are without talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is suspended after slagging off match officials recently.

Laurent Blanc's men are aiming to bounce back from their midweek defeat by Barca in the Champions League with a victory that will stick them top of the pile - for 24 hours at least.

Lyon entertain fifth-placed St Etienne tomorrow.

CLOSE!

German Bundesliga

German Bundesliga

Hoffenheim are hanging on a bit now as Bayern move through the gear. Fantastic goalkeeping from Oliver Baumann to keep out Thiago and then Thomas Muller.

HALF-TIME

Andy West

Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"Highly entertaining first half which really should have contained more than one goal - and nearly all the chances have been Valencia's. They have been the better team despite trailing, but Barca are capable of scoring in the blink of an eye. Cracking second half lined up."

HALF-TIME

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In fact we barely get a minute - referee Jose Luis Gonzalez has seen enough. Barca's men disappear down the Nou Camp tunnel with a 1-0 lead in their back pocket.

INJURY TIME

Just the one minute of stoppage time to be played as Barcelona aim to enter the break with a slender lead.

Andy West

Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"One of the things Valencia are doing very well to stop Barca from building possession is staying tight to the full-backs, Adriano and Dani Alves. They would usually see a lot of the ball and act as the springboard for attacks but Valencia's wingers aren't allowing that to happen today.

"And just as I'm writing that, Alves loses possession under heavy pressure inside his own half and Alcacer blasts wide. Then Barca attack and Messi - yes Lionel Messi - hits it wide from ten yards. Great game!"

Getty Images

Here's a collector's item - Lionel Messi misses a sitter. Those in the Nou Camp will be telling their grandkids about this one.

The Argentina superstar proves he is human after all, dragging a right-footed shot wide after collecting Xavi's flick.

Andy West

Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"So unlucky for Paco Alcacer, whose shot hits the post as Bravo was left rooted to his spot. Valencia are extremely unfortunate to be trailing - just that one lapse in the opening minute when they gave Messi to exploit, which is never a good idea."

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HITS THE WOODWORK

Valencia blow another chance to equalise! Striker Paco Alcacer finds a bit of space in the Barcelona box and his shot beats home keeper Claudio Bravo. However, it does not beat the post...

CLOSE!

German Bundesliga

German Bundesliga

Robert Lewandowski goes close to doubling Bayern's lead but Hoffenheim defender Andreas Beck with a telling touch to deflect the curler on to the bar.

Things have becomes a little niggly with referee Jose Luis Gonzalez deciding to dish out a couple of yellow cards. Barca left-back Adriano is the first man to go into the notebook for tripping Valencia's ex-Liverpool defender Antonio Barragan, and is followed by away man Javi Fuego after he hauls down Neymar.

Andy West

Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"The game has just settled down in the last few minutes, which very much suits Barcelona. It will be tough for Valencia to maintain the high tempo they've shown in the first half-hour, and Barca will now try to put their foot on the ball, make Valencia chase around and gradually work more openings."

Spanish La Liga

While Valencia have threatened from set-pieces, it is Barcelona's turn to go close from a dead-ball situation. Xavi, who made his Barca debut against Valencia all those years ago, swings in the ball towards Gerard Pique, whose header sails over the frame of the away goal.

Andy West

Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"Valencia are very good from set-pieces and they've looked dangerous with every delivery into the box so far. Nicolas Otamendi to head home a goal today - you heard it here first."

Spanish La Liga

@ValenciaCF/Twitter

Here's the view from the press box as a member of Valencia's official radio station shares his view on Twitter. Not bad work if you can get it. That big orange thing is a microphone by the way...

On the pitch, Valencia are making a fist of this, pushing Barca back but yet to create another golden chance.

Andy West

Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"Sensational pass from Lionel Messi to Luis Suarez, who tried to return the favour but just over-hit it. If we didn't know Messi as one of the greatest goalscorers of all-time, we'd know him as one of the best passers ever. Often gets overlooked by everything else he does."

Spanish La Liga

But back come Barca. Lionel Messi threads through to Luis Suarez, who miscues as he attempts to pass back to his team-mate.

Spanish La Liga

Valencia are not out of this match - mark my words. Los Che, who are fourth in La Liga remember, have responded well since falling behind to Luis Suarez's rapid opener. The visitors look capable of picking apart the Barca defence, illustrated perfectly as Nicolas Otamendi climbs highest to meet Dani Parejo's cross - only to see his header drift past the Barca post and out for a goal kick.

As it stands, Bundesliga leaders Bayern are 13 points clear of second-placed Wolfsburg, who play Schalke 04 on Sunday. Before today Pep's Guardiloa's side needed three more wins to wrap up the title.

HALF-TIME

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It's half-time at Hoffenheim, where Bayern lead thanks to Sebastian Rode's fine finish. The Bayern supporters certainly appear to be enjoying themselves.

Andy West

Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"Deafening whistles from the fans as Dani Parejo took that penalty and great celebrations when Claudio Bravo saved it. The crowd are certainly getting into the game as Luis Enrique urged them to."

VALENCIA MISS PENALTY

Saved! Dani Parejo is the guilty party as Valencia spurn a golden chance to haul themselves level. Credit to Barca keeper Claudio Bravo though - the Chilean makes a stunning save, low to his right, to deny the away skipper.

PENALTY TO VALENCIA

Oh hello! Valencia have a penalty. Gerard Pique clumsily takes out Spain striker Rodrigo and referee Jose Luis Gonzalez does not hesitate in pointing to the spot.

Spanish La Liga

Exciting stuff at the Nou Camp as Valencia respond valiantly to Barca's early breakthrough. Los Che have a decent chance as Rodrigo cuts inside from the left and curls a shot just wide. Very open.

GOAL

AP

Sebastian Rode creates room to shoot with some lightning-quick feet and curls his finish home to give Pep Guardiola's visitors a lead they scarcely deserve.

German Bundesliga

Hoffenheim go close but Bayern are indebted to their goalkeeper. Dante's error allows Anthony Modeste a shooting chance but Manuel Neuer pulls off a fine save to keep the scores level.

No goals yet but there's been three yellow cards in five minutes. Sebastian Rudy and Thomas Muller were booked following an altercation and Bayern defender Dante is the latest to pick up a yellow card. It's all a bit spiky.

Andy West

Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"What a start! Sergio Busquets releases Leo Messi who surges forward before finding Luis Suarez, and he slides home a low shot with just 55 seconds played. Can we ignore that bit where I said it won't be easy?"

GOAL

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What a start! There is barely 60 seconds on the clock before Luis Suarez prods in the opener for Barcelona. The man is on fire!

KICK-OFF

The referee toots his whistle for the first time today - game on!

Team news

Andy West

Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"An interesting team selection from Luis Enrique sees Javier Mascherano in the defensive midfield position, with Sergio Busquets pushed further forward than usual and Ivan Rakitic left on the bench. That decision will be subjected to relentless dissection if things go wrong…"

Spanish La Liga

Veteran midfielder Xavi leads his Barcelona team-mates into the Nou Camp tunnel as the two sides prepare to walk out into the Catalan sunshine. They are ready to roll...

CLOSE!

German Bundesliga

German Bundesliga

Anthony Modeste - formerly of Blackburn Rovers, er, fame - goes close for Hoffenheim. He meets Sebastian Rudy's cross but, luckily for Bayern, the Frenchman's header goes wide.

Andy West

Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"Luis Enrique is usually reluctant to say much to the media, but yesterday he took the unusual step of making an emotional plea for Barca fans to turn up in numbers and get right behind the team.

"The average attendance here is around 80,000 - leaving 20,000 seats empty - and the atmosphere can be library-like when Barca are strolling through easy home games.

"But today Enrique wants the stadium to "tremble" in the way it does for Clasicos. That shows how highly he regards Valencia."

German Bundesliga

It's bright and sunny at the Rhein-Neckar Arena and Bayern have started well against seventh-placed Hoffenheim.

Robert Lewandowski and Sebastian Rode have both tried their luck from distance but fired off target.

German Bundesliga

Let's pop across to Germany for a moment as champions-elect Bayern Munich are already under way.

Bayern need just three more wins to wrap up the Bundesliga crown so will hold nothing back here, especially as they look to make amends for a disappointing showing against Porto in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The hosts, meanwhile, are in seventh and are eyeing a final push in the season finale to secure Europa League football next term.

Andy West

Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"It's a beautiful spring day in Barcelona: warm, sunny and with a gentle cooling breeze. A perfect day for cricket, in fact. In the absence of leather on willow, I suppose we can settle for first vs fourth in La Liga.

"And let's say this straight away: Valencia are a good team. Despite having a new owner, new coach and a bunch of new players, they are very quickly developing into a formidable outfit. It will not be easy for Barca today."

Team news

Barcelona: Bravo, Adriano, Alves, Mathieu, Pique, Busquets, Mascherano, Xavi, Suarez, Messi, Neymar. Subs: Ter Stegen, Rakitic, Pedro, Rafinha, Bartra, Jordi Alba, Sergi Roberto.

Hoffenheim v Bayern Munich (14:30 BST)

Barcelona v Valencia (15:00)

Nice v PSG (16:00)

Deportivo La Coruna v Atletico Madrid (17:00)

PSV v Heerenveen (18:45)

Real Madrid v Malaga (19:00)

Juventus v Lazio (19:45)

Hola amigos! Welcome to our latest jaunt to mainland Europe, where the weather and several title races are hotting up nicely.

I know I've already said the Spanish title race isn't as good as last year - but that doesn't mean it still isn't exciting. We are focusing on Barca's home match against Valencia, before returning later on to see Real Madrid fare against Malaga. Here's what is coming up...

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You won't be surprised to learn that this season's Spanish title race is failing to match the excitement of 12 months ago. Last season, we had Barcelona, Real Madrid and eventual champions Atletico Madrid all battling for La Liga, with Atleti eventually lifting the trophy on the final day of the campaign. At the Nou Camp in a winner-take-all clash.

But this season it is a two-horse race. Atleti's hopes of retaining their title look all but done, as Diego Simeone's men trail leaders Barca by nine points with seven matches left.

Real are two points adrift of their arch-rivals Barca - and are hoping fourth-placed Valencia can do them a favour today.