LA LIGA:Lionel Messi notched up his 35th league goal of the season as an understrength Barcelona strolled to a 6-1 win at home over Getafe that put them 12 points clear on 62 points at the top of La Liga yesterday.

Alexis Sanchez and David Villa made the most of rare starting roles with goals either side of Messi’s strike and Andres Iniesta, Cristian Tello and Gerard Pique were also on the scoresheet.

Cristiano Ronaldo warmed up for Wednesday’s Champions League tie with former club Manchester United by claiming a hat-trick and an assist as Real Madrid crushed Sevilla 4-1 on Saturday. He set up Karim Benzema to open the scoring in the 18th minute at the Bernabeu. Ronaldo doubled the lead with a left-foot strike from the edge of the area eight minutes later and added his second in the 46th minute. He completed his treble in the 59th minute.

Real have 46 points with Atletico on 50 after last night’s 2-1 defeat by Rayo Vallecano.