Lionel Messi's 28th Primera Division goal of the season gave Barcelona a valuable victory over third-placed Valencia at Mestalla.
The win now sees the Catalans stretch their lead at the top to 10 points.Messi had seen three shots kept out in one incredible move early on and missed two other good opportunities after that, but the Argentina forward was not to be denied and popped up to settle matters with 14 minutes remaining.
Barca had arguably the better chances but Valencia matched the leaders for long periods and could perhaps feel aggrieved that Jordi Alba's first-half effort was ruled out for offside.
Barca forward David Villa was returning to Mestalla for the first time since his big-money summer move from Valencia, although the Spain striker arrived later than his team-mates after giving evidence in a trial against his former agent in Asturias earlier in the day.
