Lionel Messi and Paulinho found the net as Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 to restore their four-point advantage at the top of La Liga.
Valencia's victory at Alaves earlier in the day had cut Barca's Lead at the summit to a single point but they edged past Bilbao on Saturday night to restore their cushion.
Messi started and finished a brilliant Barca move in the 36th minute, slotting the ball past Kepa Arrizabalaga to take his tally for the season to 12 league goals.
And after Marc-Andre ter Stegen had made a vital save to keep Aritz Aduriz out in the closing stages, Paulinho scored the visitors' second on the counter-attack after Kepa had parried Luis Suarez's shot into his path.
The result was also Ernesto Valverde's first as a visitor to the club he represented with distinction as player and manager for many years.
Valencia extended their winning streak to seven matches to stay on Barcelona's heels at the top of the table with a 2-1 victory at Alaves.
The win came thanks to goals from Simone Zaza and Rodrigo, whose second-half penalty restored the lead following an equaliser early in the second half from Alexis.
Atletico Madrid are still undefeated and in fourth after notching their fifth draw, a Disappointing 1-1 result at home versus Villarreal.
Argentina forward Angel Correa scored his fourth league goal at the hour mark to put the hosts in front. But Atletico were unable to hold the lead, allowing Villarreal to draw level with 10 minutes left through a clean header by Carlos Bacca.
Atletico haven't lost in 14 straight games and face another pressure match on Tuesday against Qarabag in the Champions League.
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