LIONEL Messi inspired Barcelona to a 5-0 win at Tenerife as the Catalan giants ended the weekend as they started it: holding a two-point lead at the top of the table.

Real Madrid briefly led the way after beating Real Mallorca 2-0 earlier in the evening, but Barça swept back to the summit after brushing aside Tenerife in the Canary Islands.

Messi’s contribution was a wonderful hat-trick, the third goal an impudent chip from the edge of the area.

Carlos Puyol also got on the scoresheet with home defender Ezequiel Luna adding a late fifth with an unfortunate prod past his own goalkeeper.

Madrid had greater difficulty with the snow in the capital than they did with a toothless Mallorca side. But despite the wintry conditions, Manuel Pellegrini’s men strolled to victory with goals from Gonzalo Higuain – a sublime 25-yard curling effort – and Esteban Granero.

Valencia strengthened their hold on third place with a 3-1 win at rock-bottom Xerez. The hosts, who have now accumulated just seven points from 17 games, threatened a surprise when Carlos Calvo cancelled out Juan Mata’s opener. But David Silva restored Valencia’s lead and a fine solo effort from Carlos Marchena settled matters.

Deportivo La Coruna climbed into the UEFA Champions League spots with a 1-0 win against Osasuna at the Riazor, Juan Rodriguez netting the only goal against a side reduced to ten men in the 67th minute when Javad Nekounam saw red.

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