Lionel Messi saved Barcelona from another embarrassing result by scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over lowly Levante, while Real Sociedad returned to the top of La Liga on Sunday.
Messi struck with 14 minutes remaining of a lackluster display from Barca at the Camp Nou which will do little to ease fan fears following their 3-0 hammering at the hands of Juventus midweek.
Ronald Koeman’s side is still way off the pace in the title race, nine points behind Sociedad who reclaimed first place despite only drawing 1-1 with Eibar.
Barcelona does however have two games in hand on the Basque outfit.
Atletico is level on 26 points with Sociedad and also has two games in hand …
Keep on reading: Messi saves lackluster Barca, Sociedad reclaims top spot