MADRID — Barcelona ensured it will finish 2013 on top of La Liga as a Pedro Rodriguez hat trick helped it come from 2-0 down to win 5-2 at Getafe Sunday. The host had got off to a flying start as goals from Sergio Escudero and Lisandro Lopez put it 2-0 up inside 14 minutes. However, the Catalans responded like champions as Pedro scored three times in eight minutes before the break. Cesc Fabregas gave Barca breathing space when he volleyed home Pedro's cross 22 minutes from time and the former Arsenal captain doubled his tally from the penalty spot moments later. Barca's comeback means it edges ahead of Atletico Madrid on goal difference at the top of the table, whilst Real Madrid can cut the gap on the top two to five points with a win at Valencia later Sunday. Without the suspended Neymar and injured Lionel Messi, the spotlight was on the Catalans' fringe players in attack to make its claim for a regular starting spot. But it was the first-choice defensive line that struggled early on, despite having Dani Alves back from a monthlong injury. The Brazilian back looked rusty, Javier Mascherano was often out of position, and Gerard Pique conceded two unnecessary corner kicks— the second of which led to Getafe's second goal. Barcelona will face Getafe twice more in January in the Copa del Rey's round of 16. Earlier in the day, Espanyol applied relentless pressure and forward Christian Stuani scored twice to rout Valladolid 4-2 for its first win at home in four Spanish league games. Espanyol was helped by forward Sergio Garcia and midfielder Victor Sanchez, both scoring and setting up another as Javier Aguirre's side settled into the middle of the league table. Javi Guerra and Victor Perez salvaged some pride for Valladolid with goals in the 75th and 89th. In another encounter Real Sociedad beat Granada 3-1. On Saturday, Atletico Madrid's Brazilian striker Diego Costa scored twice as it came from behind to beat Levante 3-2 at home. Costa grabbed the winner from the spot 13 minutes from time to head the league scoring chart with 19 goals so far this season, two more than Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo. Atletico goes into the winter break with 46 points and a 100 percent home record. Earlier Saturday, Sevilla defender Cala scored one and was later sent off as his side made up for a shock King's Cup defeat with a 2-1 victory over Villarreal. Sevilla is seventh in the league with 26 points, two points and one place behind Villarreal which was leapfrogged by Real Sociedad after it beat Granada 3-1 away. Almeria piled the pressure on bottom side Real Betis with Ramon Azeez scoring a fourth minute goal in a 1-0 away win that leaves the host five points from the safety zone. — Agencies
