Messi closer to all-time La Liga record

Star striker Lionel Messi moved closer to becoming the all-time La Liga top-scorer when he scored the final goal in Barcelona's 3-0 win at home over Eibar.

For 59 minutes Eibar showed they are a side to be reckoned with and had it not been for a one-on-one save from Claudio Bravo in the first half, the visitors would have taken the lead Saturday, reports Xinhua.

Midfield maestro Xavi Hernandez, who moved intelligently off the ball, scored the first goal just at the hour-mark before Neymar added Barcelona's second goal with a right foot volley after 70 minutes.

Four-time World Player of the Year Messi netted a left foot shot two minutes later to score his 250th league goal, one behind the decades old record set by Thelmo Zarra.

Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo was on target yet again as Real Madrid hammered Levante 5-0. Madrid will travel to Liverpool in the Champions League before facing Barcelona in the 'El Clasico' next Saturday.

Ronaldo netted his 14th and 15th goals of the campaign while Javier Hernandez, James Hernandez and Isco also got their names on the scoresheet in what was a virtual stroll against a side that managed just one effort on target throughout the game.

Athletic Bilbao's season has still not got into second gear as they drew 1-1 at home to Celta Vigo. The Basque side started strongly and took the lead when Aritz Aduriz scored a sixth minute penalty but Celta dominated the second half and equalised with Nolito's goal in the 73rd minute.