Business as usual for Messi and Barcelona

FC Barcelona restored their 13-point advantage at the head of the Liga standings with a routine 3-1 victory against Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Camp Nou.

David Villa struck the opener midway through the first half, before Lionel Messi stole the show. The Argentinian international doubled the lead before the break – the 18th consecutive league match in which he has registered – and chipped in a third for Barça before the hour. Raúl Tamudo scored his first goal of the season on 70 minutes to reduce the deficit, but a comeback was beyond Rayo.

Meanwhile, Club Atlético de Madrid moved back to within a point of second-placed city rivals Real Madrid CF with a 2-0 win at CA Osasuna. A Diego Costa double did the damage, the Brazilian forward bagging a goal either side of half-time to sink Osasuna, who remain just four points clear of the relegation zone.

As for Málaga CF, their recent slide continued at home against RCD Espanyol, second-half goals from Diego Colotto and Sergio García condemning Manuel Pellegrini's team to a fourth game without a win.

Elsewhere, Jorge Andújar Moreno hit a double – the second a splendid effort from outside the area – as Sevilla FC scored four without reply against struggling Real Zaragoza, who had Stefan Babović dismissed just after the half-hour mark for a second yellow card. Lastly, Granada CF drew 1-1 at home against Levante UD.