Barcelona ended a decade-long drought without winning away to Real Sociedad on Thursday as Neymar's first-half penalty handed the Spanish champions a 1-0 Copa del Rey quarter-final, first leg lead.

Luis Suarez scored twice and Lionel Messi continued his sensational form as Barcelona moved to within two points of La Liga leaders Real Madrid on Saturday with a 5-0 rout of Las Palmas.

Barcelona removed Pere Gratacos as their institutional sporting relations director on Friday after he claimed that Lionel Messi "would not be as good" without his teammates.

Lionel Messi's third goal from a free-kick in as many games this year secured Barcelona's place in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey as the holders beat Athletic Bilbao 3-1 to edge through 4-3 on aggregate on Wednesday.

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez insists the Catalans are "obliged" to chase down Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, despite losing more ground on the European champions in a 1-1 draw at Villarreal on Sunday.

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique says Neymar's performances remain at their peak, despite the Brazilian's flagging goal tally this season.

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez hopes teammate Lionel Messi will follow his lead by signing a long-term contract to see out the remainder of his prime years at the Camp Nou.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has announced a benefit game between Brazil and Colombia on Jan. 25, the same day Chapecoense play their first game since the air crash that prompted the friendly.

Goals from Luiz Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar help Barcelona beat Saudi champions Al-Ahli 5-3 in a thrilling friendly in Doha

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos rescued a draw and maintained the European champions' six-point lead at the top of La Liga in a 1-1 draw at Barcelona on Saturday.

Barcelona's Nou Camp is the biggest soccer arena in Europe and has long been the home of the world's best players but visitors have often complained that it is lacking in atmosphere.

Barcelona were held 1-1 by lowly Hercules in their King's Cup last 32 first-leg match on Wednesday while Mariano scored a hat-trick as Real Madrid romped to a 6-1 second-leg victory over third-tier Cultural Leonesa and a 13-2 aggregate triumph.

A Spanish corruption case surrounding Neymar's transfer from Santos to Barcelona in 2013 is certain to influence the Brazil forward's form, national team coach Tite said on Monday.

AFP Sports looks at what has gone wrong so far this season for the Spanish champions Barcelona.

Barcelona's Brazilian star Neymar damaged his Ferrari Spider in a road accident but his club said he was ready to play against Real Sociedad on Sunday night.

A goal scored with a scorpion kick in the Swedish league was included on the shortlist for FIFA's goal of the year award on Monday along with efforts from Lionel Messi and Neymar.

An outstanding performance from Gabriel Jesus helps Brazil to a 2-0 win over Peru and move the five times World Cup winners four points clear at the top of the South American qualifying group for Russia 2018.

Ecuador romp to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Venezuela to reignite their 2018 World Cup qualifying challenge as Paraguay's bid suffers a setback with a defeat to struggling Bolivia.

Lionel Messi scores a majestic free-kick and sets up two more goals as Argentina got their faltering 2018 World Cup qualification campaign back on track with a 3-0 win over Colombia.

Brazil coach Tite warns his side to be wary of Peru's attacking threats, Christian Cueva and Paolo Guerrero, when the two teams clash in World Cup qualifying in Lima.