Barcelona have kept the pressure on La Liga leaders Real Madrid with a 4-1 win at Malaga.
Alexis Sanchez had an early opening for the visitors, but his header was easily saved by Willy Caballero.
Lionel Messi nearly made the breakthrough for Barca soon after when his effort flew past the post.
Victor Valdes was then called into action twice to save Isco's shot from outside of the box and then the striker's header from the resulting corner.
However, Barcelona were ahead at the break when Messi powered a header from Adriano's cross into the net.
Pep Guardiola's side went on the attack instantly in the second half and were rewarded on 48 minutes when Sanchez was first to the rebound after Thiago's shot had been saved.
The game was all but over two minutes later when Messi went on a typically winding run before firing in.
The Argentine grabbed his hat-trick with 10 minutes to go with a cool finish after another slaloming run.
The hosts netted a consolation five minutes from time when Jose Rondon slotted in the rebound after Isco's shot had been saved by Valdes.
Jack Prescott
