Lionel Messi plundered his 50th goal in all competitions this season as FC Barcelona prevailed 2-0 at Real Racing Club to stay within ten points of Liga leaders Real Madrid CF.

Scorer of a record-breaking five strikes against Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, Messi continued his superb campaign with both efforts in Barcelona's win. The Argentina forward slid in a Cesc Fàbregas pass on 29 minutes and added a penalty after the break to also hit the 30-goal mark in the top flight this term.

Third-placed Valencia CF could only draw 2-2 with RCD Mallorca, meanwhile, letting their two-goal lead slip as the visitors mustered a spirited response via Emilio Nsue (57) and Victor Casadesus (66). Valencia had Tino Costa dismissed with six minutes remaining and now lie 16 points shy of Barça.

Elsewhere, RCD Espanyol dismantled Rayo Vallecano de Madrid 5-1, Kalu Uche grabbing a hat-trick, and Club Atlético de Madrid beat Granada CF 2-0. In the late game, CA Osasuna climbed up to sixth by defeating Athletic Club 2-1.