Neymar scored four goals to help Barcelona romp to a 5-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano and move level with Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.

The hosts made a strong start to the match and Ivan Rakitic had an early opportunity to score when he was played through on goal by Sergi Roberto, before seeing his effort saved by Tono.

Moments later Tono put his side in danger when his poor clearance landed at the feet of Sergio Busquets. The midfielder then squared the ball for Luis Suarez, but the keeper made up for his mistake by blocking the striker's effort with his feet.

Despite their dominant opening to game, Barcelona fell behind in the 15th minute as Javi Guerra arrived to guide in Bebe's fierce delivery from close range.

However, Vallecano's lead lasted just seven minutes as Neymar slotted home from the penalty spot, after he had been brought down inside the box by Diego Llorente.

Within a minute Suarez curled a low strike into the bottom corner, but his goal was chalked off after two of his teammates appeared to be offside and interfering with play.

Sandro Ramirez then curled over the bar after being played through, before Neymar dragged a shot wide, as Barcelona continued to dominate.

Their pressure soon paid off as Neymar was brought down inside the box once again, following a rash challenge from Nacho, before he dispatched the resulting spot kick to give his side the lead.

Barca went into the break in the lead, but within five minutes of the restart they were indebted to goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, who saved an effort from Patrick Ebert, before denying Bebe at point-blank range from the rebound.

Those saves would prove crucial, as Neymar completed his hat-trick for Barcelona in the 69th minute with a simple finish, after Tono had parried an effort from Suarez into his path.

Within a minute the visitors were punished further as Suarez broke clear of the defence and squared the ball for Neymar to touch in his fourth goal of the match.

Barcelona were not finished and seven minutes later Suarez added his name to the scoresheet when he was picked out by Neymar at the back post and fired past Tono.

Jozabed pulled a goal back for Rayo in the closing stages with a low strike from inside the box, but it proved to be just a consolation as Luis Enrique's side returned to winning ways.