Lionel Messi was once again the inspiration for FC Barcelona as the champions set a Liga record of 16 consecutive victories with a 3-0 home win against Club Atlético de Madrid.

Having equalled Real Madrid CF's 50-year-old mark last weekend, Josep Guardiola's team were quickly into their stride in their attempts to own it outright. Messi, as ever, was at the hub of Barcelona's attacking efforts, taking his tally for the season to 40 in all competitions with goals on 17, 28 and 79 minutes. The victory establishes a ten-point lead over Madrid, who host Real Sociedad de Fútbol on Sunday.

Getafe CF were the day's biggest winners, triumphing 4-1 against RC Deportivo La Coruña while Athletic Club enhanced their hopes of qualifying for Europe. The Basque team rose to fifth, three points behind fourth-placed Valencia CF, after a 3-0 defeat of ten-man Real Sporting de Gijón.

RCD Espanyol had started the day where Athletic ended it, but were three down inside 18 minutes at strugglers UD Almería and eventually lost 3-2. Elsewhere, Villarreal CF − in third − were shocked 1-0 at home by third-bottom Levante UD, and CA Osasuna versus RCD Mallorca and Real Zaragoza against Real Racing Club ended 1-1.

Results

Standings

Photo gallery