Neymar thriving in Messi's absence

Brazilian striker Neymar said he is in the form of his life after scoring twice as Barcelona eased past BATE Borisov 3-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Neymar also set up Barca's other goal by Luis Suarez as the defending champion moved to within a point of sealing its place in the last 16.

Suarez and Neymar have now combined for 18 of Barca's past 21 goals since four-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi suffered knee ligament damage about six weeks ago.

Barca remains hopeful Messi could be fit to face Real Madrid in a little more than two weeks' time.

Neymar admitted he is enjoying sharing the responsibility of leading the Catalans, along with Suarez, in Messi's absence.

"It is clear we miss Messi, but I am in the form of my life and I hope to continue like this," he told beIN Sports.

Neymar opened the scoring from the penalty spot before teeing up Suarez to double the advantage in the 60th minute.

The Uruguayan then returned the favor as his unselfish pass presented Neymar with an open goal for his second of the night and 11th of the season seven minutes from time.

"Half the goal belongs to Suarez. He is a star and in great form," said Neymar.

The South American duo's sizzling streak of late has wiped away early season fears of Barca's lack of killer instinct.

However, coach Luis Enrique insisted he never doubted his star forward line would come good.

"We never doubted we would get our killer touch back given the profile of the players we have up front," he said.

"Given their quality and the chances the team creates, it was never in doubt."

Victory extends Barca's advantage at the top of Group E as it leads second-placed Roma by five points with two games remaining.

The Italians visit Camp Nou in three weeks' time and Barca might not even need a point to qualify if Bayer Leverkusen fails to win on the road against BATE.

"Our intention is to win the group," said Enrique.

"We are playing against Roma and we will try to win the game as Barca does in every match."

The only negative for Barcelona on an otherwise placid night was the loss of midfielder Ivan Rakitic, who scored both goals in Barcelona's win at BATE in their last match.

Rakitic was replaced by Munir El Haddadi in the 20th minute after injuring a muscle in his right leg.

Barcelona said he will miss its Liga match against Villarreal on Sunday.