Two9 goals from Lionel Messi, bringing him up to 30 for the season so far, gave Barcelona a 0-2 victory over Racing Santander at El Sardinero on Sunday and reduced the deficit at the top of La Liga to ten points.
Barcelona once again dominated possession but it wasn’t until the 29th minute that they managed to get the ball into the back of the net, Messi prodding the ball home from close range from a free kick.
The second goal came via the penalty spot after Fabregas was judged to have been fouled inside the area, Messi grabbing his second of the match.
Málaga hold on to fourth place after Athletic Bilbao lost 2-1 to local rivals Osasuna. An Iturraspe own goal gave the home side an early lead and this was extended on the half hour by a goal from Garcia. Llorente pulled one back for the visitors in the second half.