Barcelona fired five past Athletic Bilbao at San Mames last night.

Lionel Messi had a hand in all of Barcelona's goals, scoring one, as they trounced Athletic Bilbao 5-2, with strikes from Luis Suarez, Neymar, Pedro and an Oscar de Marcos own goal taking the Catalan giants clear.

Mikel Rico and Aritz Aduriz notched for Bilbao, but they never looked capable of springing an upset against Luis Enrique's side.

Barca are now just a point behind leaders Real Madrid.

Enrique said: "It's a privilege to coach Messi and really the whole group. When a team generates lots of chances occasions but has trouble breaking through, the stronger teams are the ones that work collectively.

"Dominating different areas of the game benefits us. We were more direct on some plays.

"For us, it's ideal to plan by focusing on the attack. But in the game it depends on how a team is able to move their lines, like Athletic. We know we have potential and I like to take advantage of our resources.

"We want to be a team that's more direct. But it's true that a team can win in many different ways."