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La Liga Wrap: Barca and Real Madrid win easily

Messi edged one closer to La Liga's all-time goalscoring record as Barcelona easily beat Eibar 3-0 at Camp Nou.

The Argentina international went into the match needing just two goals to go level on 251 top-flight strikes with Athletic Bilbao legend Telmo Zarra but he could only notch once as he was frustrated by Eibar goalkeeper Xabi Irureta.

Messi rounded off a delightful move in the 74th minute to ensure Barca stay four points clear of Real Madrid, with the Argentine now eyeing a record-breaking day against their bitter rivals at the Santiago Bernabeu in a week's time.

The Portuguese superstar went into the game at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia having scored 13 goals in just six league appearances this season.

James Rodriguez got in on the act shortly after and Isco rounded the scoring off with superb finish from 20 yards eight minutes from time as Real warmed up for a week featuring a UEFA Champions League trip to Liverpool and the season's first Clasico against Barcelona in style.

Elsewhere, Athletic Bilbao's struggles continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Celta de Vigo.

With just one win in eight league matches, Ernesto Valverde's men are 16th.