Suarez and Messi give Barcelona win

Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi fired Barcelona to a 2-0 victory over10-man Villarreal as the leaders won for the first time in three La Ligagames to stay five points clear on Sunday.Barca looked set for a third consecutive league draw as they createdscant opportunities but they were presented with the advantage of anextra man when Villarreal midfielder Daniel Raba was given a straightred card for a wild, studs-up challenge on Sergio Busquets on the hourmark.Barca did not take long to cash in and Suarez broke the deadlock in the72nd minute, rounding goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo to complete a move ofquick passes by Messi, Jordi Alba and substitute Paco Alcacer.The visitors stretched their lead 11 minutes later with the help of ahaphazard backpass from Victor Ruiz to Busquets, who played in Messi forhis 14th league goal this campaign.Barca lead the standings on 39 points, five clear of second-placedValencia and six ahead of Atletico in third, while champions Real Madridare fourth on 31.Villarreal coach Javi Calleja said the red card was unfair on his side.“We were playing well and managing the periods of the game but everything changed with the red card,” he told reporters.“From the sidelines it didn’t look like a red card and I’m certain thatif it had been the other way round it wouldn’t have been a sending off.Raba has been punished for being a young guy.”Barca coach Valverde said the red card was fair and praised his side for taking advantage.“It looked a strong challenge to me and I think the player (Raba)realised it was an excessive challenge. The player was shocked anddidn’t protest,” he said.“They were well positioned and closed down all the spaces. They weredangerous on the counter, it was a game that could have gone uphill forus but we got the job done.”Earlier, a goal by Saul Niguez racked up a third straight victory in LaLiga for Atletico, who got an unconvincing 1-0 win at Betis.