BARCELONA, Spain - Lionel Messi set up Luis Suarez's first-minute opener before adding another goal in stoppage time to give Spanish league leader Barcelona a hard-fought 2-0 win over Valencia on Saturday.

Suarez netted his 12th goal in his last 12 appearances to give Barcelona the lead 55 seconds into the match at Camp Nou.

But Valencia dominated the rest of the first half and the hosts needed goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to save Dani Parejo's penalty in the 10th minute.

Valencia striker Paco Alcacer went close several times before Barcelona settled down after halftime, and Messi netted his 35th league goal of the season right before the final whistle.

The victory lifted Barcelona a provisional five points clear before second-place Real Madrid hosts Malaga later.