This archive report was first published on 22 December 2019.
Barcelona's Lionel Messi has been instrumental in the team's success, scoring 13 goals so far this season.
On Saturday, Messi helped his team maintain their lead at the top of La Liga, beating Alaves 4-1.
France World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann opened the scoring with a lovely snap-shot from outside the area after a slick exchange with Messi on 14 minutes.
"I needed to score a goal before the holidays, now I can go into them happy with myself," said Griezmann, who has scored just seven goals since his summer move.
Barcelona's dominance continued, with Arturo Vidal scoring a second just before half-time and Messi unleashing a trademark left-foot strike from outside the box on 69 minutes.
Even with four defenders around him, Messi was unstoppable, and his goal illustrated why he recently won a sixth Ballon d'Or.
"It's an enormous advantage having Leo (Messi), he can score you a goal from anywhere at any time," said Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde.
Real Madrid, who drew 0-0 at Camp Nou in the midweek Clasico, can draw level top on 39 points but behind on goal difference if they win at home to Atletico Bilbao on Sunday.
Seville are assured third place over Christmas on 34 points after their 2-0 win at Real Mallorca.
