Lionel Messi's 500th career goal couldn't prevent Barcelona's incredible slump in form from continuing with a fourth defeat in five games 2-1 at home to Valencia on Sunday. Atletico Madrid are now level on 76 points with Barca at the top of La Liga with five games remaining as they beat Granada 3-0, but the Catalans retain the lead thanks to their superior head-to-head record. Barcelona have now lost three consecutive La Liga games for the first time since January 2003. Third-placed Real Madrid are also only a point behind thanks to their 5-1 win at Getafe on Saturday. Valencia were beaten 7-0 by Barca on their last trip to the Camp Nou just two months ago under former boss Gary Neville, but gained revenge thanks to Ivan Rakitic's own goal and Santi Mina's classy finish before half-time.