Luis Suarez double keeps Barcelona clear at the top

La Liga round-up: Luis Suarez struck twice to help fire La Liga leaders Barcelona to a 4-0 home victory over struggling Almeria on Wednesday that maintained their four-point advantage over second-placed Real Madrid.

Lionel Messi unleashed a stunning solo effort to put his side in front in the 33rd minute with what was also his 33rd goal of the season, and there was no looking back as the hosts went on to claim their ninth straight win.

Suarez scored a fine second 10 minutes into the second half and, after Marc Bartra’s header had made it 3-0 to the hosts, Suarez wrapped things up with his second deep into stoppage time.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 300th goal as Real Madrid stayed in pursuit of top spot with a hard-earned 2-0 win at Rayo Vallecano.

Ronaldo headed home Daniel Carvajal’s 68th-minute cross for the opener and James Rodriguez stroked home his side’s second five minutes later to secure the win.

Deportivo La Coruna fired coach Victor Fernandez after a 1-1 draw at home to bottom side Cordoba left the Galician club hovering just above the La Liga relegation places.

“The board of directors . . . has informed Victor Fernandez that from tonight he is no longer the first team coach,“ Deportivo said on their website .

Struggling Granada missed a golden opportunity to move within a point of safety after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Celta Vigo.

Robert Ibanez gave the hosts a third-minute lead and they looked set to hold out despite the 42nd-minute dismissal of Jeison Murillo for a second bookable offence.

But Celta substitute Theo Bongonda scored three minutes into stoppage time to leave Granada still three points adrift.