Luis Suarez scored four goals and assisted three others as Barcelona got their La Liga title charge back on track with an emphatic 8-0 victory at Deportivo La Coruna.
Following consecutive defeats to Real Madrid, Real Sociedad and Valencia, Luis Enrique’s side were fast losing grip on the title – equal on points with Atletico Madrid and one above Real Madrid.
Suarez led his team all the way as he took his tally for 2015-16 to 49 goals in all competitions, equalling his season’s best at Ajax in 2009-10.
The Uruguay international opened the scoring in the 11th minute after a corner from Ivan Rakitic, shrugged off Sidnei and left Deportivo goalkeeper Fernandez Manu no chance, volleying home from close range.
Suarez then struck again to double Barca’s lead in the 24th minute. Lionel Messi found his attacking team-mate with a delicate through ball and the former Liverpool ace beat Manu with a calm finish.
Rakitic worsened Deportivo’s woes in the 47th minute, making it three after some great work from Suarez.
There was no stopping Suarez at the Riazor and the striker got his hat-trick in the 53rd minute, slotting past Manu with the outside of his right boot after another Messi assist.
Things went from bad to worse for Deportivo and Suarez got his fourth of the evening after some good work from Neymar.
That was not the end of it just yet, though, as Suarez then lost his marker with a fine individual run before reaching Messi to make it 6-0.
Marc Bartra also found the net late on after a strong solo run, while Neymar made it eight after yet another Suarez assist as Barcelona returned to winning ways in impressive fashion.
The result takes the defending champions to 79 points after 34 games.
