Messi at the double as Barcelona sink Zaragoza

FC Barcelona recovered from a goal down to win 4-1 at in-form Real Zaragoza and halve Real Madrid CF's Liga advantage to three points.

Zaragoza had climbed off the foot of the table in recent weeks thanks to three successive wins and hopes of a surprise fourth were raised when Carlos Aranda (30) bundled in the opener, not long after he had been denied from the spot by Víctor Valdés.

The Azulgrana were not behind for long, though, with Carles Puyol (36) touching in the equaliser. Lionel Messi completed the turnaround three minutes later with a strike into the roof of the net.

The dismissal of Abraham (45) capped a disappointing end to the half for the hosts, who are four points shy of fourth-bottom Villarreal CF. A penalty from Messi (86), his 60th goal in all competitions this term, made certain of victory before Pedro Rodríguez added number four.

Elsewhere, Getafe CF moved into what is becoming an increasingly congested top half of the table after a 2-0 defeat of Real Sporting de Gijón, while Carlos Vela's early double for Real Sociedad de Fútbol was ultimately in vain as RCD Espanyol came back to draw. Ten-man Villarreal lost 3-1 at Real Betis Balompié, but the result of the day was recorded by Rayo Vallecano de Madrid, who put six without reply past sixth-placed CA Osasuna.