Lionel Messi took his senior career goals tally to 301 as he scored twice in Barcelona’s 5-0 victory at Rayo Vallecano which put them briefly three points clear at the top on Saturday before last night Atletico Madrid joined them after their 3-1 home win over Osasuna. Barcelona, however, have a superior goal difference.
Real Madrid moved up to fourth place with a facile win over 11th-placed Mallorca last night as Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo both scored two goals with Jose Callejon netting the other one.
Messi got Barca’s second just after half-time and finished off the rout with another at the end.
Spain players David Villa, Xavi and Cesc Fabregas also scored to move on to 25 points from nine games.
Malaga are third with 18 points after a 0-0 draw at Espanyol while Real Betis beat Valencia 1-0 to lie fifth on 16 thanks to Salva Sevilla’s early goal.
Radamel Falcao helped Atletico Madrid to a 3-1 win over basement side Osasuna. He volleyed high into the net on 73 minutes after Miranda and Raul Garcia put them 2-0 up in the first half.
