FC Barcelona returned to the top of the Liga table ahead of Spain's winter break with a 5-2 comeback success at Getafe CF, Pedro Rodríguez weighing in with a nine-minute hat-trick.
With Lionel Messi still injured and Neymar suspended, Pedro was tasked with filling in up front for Barcelona, who were stunned by goals from Sergio Escudero and Lisandro López inside the opening 14 minutes. Pedro turned the match around before the break, however, collecting a Cesc Fàbregas pass to score his first in the 34th minute and adding two more in quick succession.
Fàbregas then latched onto a Pedro cross to send Barça two goals clear and the former Arsenal FC midfielder converted a penalty after Pedro had been fouled by Borja Fernández. The victory lifted Gerardo Martino's side back to the summit on goal difference ahead of Club Atlético de Madrid, whom they visit on 11 January.
Five points back, third-placed Real Madrid CF required an 82nd-minute strike from substitute Jesé to win 3-2 at Valencia CF. Ángel Di María had put the visitors in front close to the half-hour, but Pablo Piatti responded and Jérémy Mathieu then cancelled out Cristiano Ronaldo's goal before Jesé made the difference.
Elsewhere, fourth-placed Athletic Club beat Real Valladolid CF 2-1, Christian Stuani struck twice as RCD Espanyol defeated Real Valladolid CF 4-2, and the match between RC Celta de Vigo and CA Osasuna ended 1-1.(uefa)
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