MADRID: Luis Suarez scored his 500th career goal to give La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid victory over Alaves.

The Uruguay forward reached the milestone by heading home Kieran Trippier’s cross in the second half.

It was his 19th goal for Atleti, while the 34-year-old has also scored 198 goals for Barcelona, 82 for Liverpool, and 63 for Uruguay.

Jan Oblak saved a late Joselu penalty to ensure Atletico remained four points clear at the top of La Liga.

Barcelona ensured they kept the pressure on Diego Simone’s side, thrashing Real Sociedad 6-1 in Sunday’s late kick-off – a win that saw Lionel Messi mark his record 768th appearance with a second-half double.

Suarez began his career at Uruguay side Club Nacional, where he scored 12 goals, before moving to Eredivisie outfit Groningen where he netted 15 times.

He joined Ajax in 2007, adding 111 goals before he joined Liverpool in 2011 and then Barcelona in 2014.

Lionel Messi celebrated a record-breaking 768th appearance for second-placed Barcelona with two goals as the Spanish giants thrashed Real Sociedad 6-1 in San Sebastian.

The Argentina forward, 33, moved one game clear of former midfielder Xavi’s total as Barca held on four points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.

Antoine Griezmann opened the scoring, with Sergino Dest (two) and Ousmane Dembele also finding the net.

Messi has now scored 23 league goals so far this season.

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