Barcelona’s stuttering title bid suffered another setback when they lost 2-1 at home to Valencia as they registered a third straight La Liga defeat for the first time since 2003.

Luis Enrique’s shell-shocked side are level on 76 points with Atletico Madrid and remain top only due to a superior head-to-head record.

An own goal by Ivan Rakitic put Valencia ahead after 27 minutes and Santi Mina added a second just before half-time to stun the Barca supporters at the Nou Camp.

Lionel Messi scored his 500th career goal to reduce the deficit after 64 minutes but the struggling hosts, who have squandered a nine-point lead, could not find an equaliser.

Primera Liga
Celta Vigo vs Real Betis - 1-1
Malaga vs Athletic Bilbao - 0-1
Sevilla vs Deportivo - 1-1
Atletico Madrid vs Granada - 3-0
Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal - 2-1
Barcelona vs Valencia - 1-2

Leading standings: Barcelona, Atl. Madrid 76; Real Madrid 75; Villarreal 60; A. Bilbao 54; Celta Vigo 53; Sevilla 49; Malaga, Eibar, Real Sociedad 41; Las Palmas, Valencia 40.

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