Magical Messi scores his 300th Goal

 Lionel Messi's brace helped Barcelona push their lead at the top of La Liga to 15 points with a 2-1 win away at Granada. With both the Madrid clubs, Atletico and Real, in action on Sunday, the Catalans had the opportunity to widen their lead.

It was Granada who took the lead, against the run of play, through Odion Ighalo in the 26th minute. Barca put on a passing masterclass in the first half with Thiago Alcantara running the show in the absence of the injured Xavi. However, a rare attack from the hosts saw them go behind when Ighalo cushioned the ball into goal off a cross from the right. 

Barca however stayed patient and were rewarded in the second half when Cesc Fabregas' intial shot was parried by the Granada keeper, only for Messi to pounce on the rebound to score his 300th goal for the Blaugrana. Then in the 73rd minute, Barca earned a free-kick 30 yards out which the Argentine beautifully curled in to the far post to seal the points for the Catalans. 

Barcelona travel to the San Siro midweek to take on AC Milan in the 1st leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie.

Malaga and Sevilla also post Wins

Messi wasn't the only Argentine on target yesterday as former Madrid and Barca striker Javier Saviola scored the only goal of the game to help Malaga to a 1-0 win over struggling Athletic Bilbao. Saviola's 7th goal of the season helped the Malaga consolidate their 4th place standing in La Liga. Like Barcelona, Malaga too will travel away to Porto for their 1st leg tie in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 midweek.

A double from Gary Medel gave Sevilla a 3-1 home win over bottom club Deportivo La Coruna. The win provides a significant boost to Sevilla in their push for European qualification places next season.

Tonight's key games:

Valencia vs Mallorca

Real Valladolid vs Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano