MADRID, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona closed the gap on Real Madrid at the top of the Liga Santander on Saturday following a 3-0 win at home to Athletic Club Bilbao.
Barca's firepower and two errors from visiting keeper Gorka Iraizoz put Luis Enrique's side on their way after Paco Alcacer scored his first league goal of the season in the 17th minute.
Leo Messi doubled their lead 5 minutes from halftime with a free kick from a narrow angle which Gorka made a complete mess of.
Athletic created chances of their own and played some excellent football, but were denied by some good saves by Ter Stegen and some wayward finishing before Aleix Vidal sealed Barca's win in the second half.
Fernando Torres scored his first goals since September as Atletico Madrid defeated struggling neighbors Levante 2-0 in the Vicente Calderon Stadium.
His first goal was a 15th minute tap in after Iago Herrerin had saved Antoine Griezmann's penalty and netted a second with a chip over the Leganes keeper five minutes after the break.
Espanyol made it three wins out of three as they won 1-0 away to Malaga thanks to a 32 yard goal scored by Pablo Piattti.
The Argentinean scored in the 16th minute and despite Malaga forcing 18 corners, the visitors were able to hold on to condemn Malaga to 8 games without a win.
Finally Eibar inflicted a humiliating 4-0 home defeat on Valencia to end Valencia' timid recovery under Voro Gonzalez.
Valencia were reduced to 10 men early in the game as Carlos Soler was given his marching orders and Eibar showed no mercy as Sergi Enrich netted twice in the drubbing with Dai Garcia also scoring and impressive volley.