Arturo Vidal scored the winner as Barcelona kept the pressure on Real Madrid, but it was Lionel Messi who yet again carved out another piece of footballing history.
Barca needed everything they had to grind out a hard-fought 1-0 win at Real Valladolid, with Vidal's eighth goal of the season after 15 minutes moving them to within a point of leaders Real Madrid, who play on Monday night.
Real have three games to play and remain favourites to wrap up a first domestic title since 2017 with Granada, Villarreal and Leganes left on their fixture list.
Vidal might have been the match-winner, but it was Lionel Messi who carved his name in LaLiga history once again.
Messi slipped the ball through to Vidal and he flashed home a low shot for the Argentinian to become the first player in the league to both score and assist 20 goals or more in the same LaLiga season.
Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi had been the last player to reach the figure of 20 assists in LaLiga during the 2008-09 season.
Barcelona dominated the first half and Antoine Griezmann and Messi had chances to double the lead, the latter's deflected shot falling just wide of a post.
Valladolid improved after the break and Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen made a fine diving save to deny Enes Unal's close-range header.
Ter Stegen also parried Sandro Ramirez's fierce shot and the hosts felt substitute Junior Firpo had handled in the box.
But Barcelona held on for the three points that keeps their slim title hopes alive.
Atletico Madrid boosted their bid to finish third with a 1-0 home victory over Real Betis.
Diego Costa came up with a 76th-minute winner after Atletico had defender Mario Hemoso sent off before the hour.
Celta Vigo remain in relegation trouble after letting an early lead slip to lose 2-1 at Osasuna.
Santi Mina converted Iago Aspas' 11th-minute cross to hand the visitors the lead, but Enric Gallego equalised midway through the first half.
Mid-table Osasuna snatched victory in the final seconds as Jose Arnaiz's header left Celta four points above the relegation zone.
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