MADRID - With Lionel Messi as a three-time goal-taker and Cesc Fabregas as a three-time goal-maker, 10-man Barcelona outlasted Deportivo La Coruna in a wild 5-4 shootout in the Spanish league on Saturday.
Fabregas set up Jordi Alba's opener before Cristian Tello and Messi both followed suit as Barcelona roared to 3-0 just 18 minutes in at Riazor Stadium.
But some dubious officiating saw Javier Mascherano sent off in the 49th, and the visitors needed Messi's 15th overall goal in a superb individual effort 13 minutes from time to stay unbeaten and secure the victory over a resilient Deportivo side.
"It was a crazy game in every way," said Fabregas.
The victory kept Barcelona eight points ahead of Real Madrid after Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 15th goal in all competitions to help the defending champions to a 2-0 win over Celta Vigo.
Madrid can now focus on their Champions League visit to German titleholders Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday. Barcelona host Celtic tomorrow.
Messi leads the Spanish league with 11 goals. Ronaldo is right behind with nine.
Malaga stayed within touch of the Spanish leaders after a 2-1 win over Real Valladolid.
Barca win 'crazy game'
MADRID - With Lionel Messi as a three-time goal-taker and Cesc Fabregas as a three-time goal-maker, 10-man Barcelona outlasted Deportivo La Coruna in a wild 5-4 shootout in the Spanish league on Saturday.
Fabregas set up Jordi Alba's opener before Cristian Tello and Messi both followed suit as Barcelona roared to 3-0 just 18 minutes in at Riazor Stadium.
But some dubious officiating saw Javier Mascherano sent off in the 49th, and the visitors needed Messi's 15th overall goal in a superb individual effort 13 minutes from time to stay unbeaten and secure the victory over a resilient Deportivo side.
"It was a crazy game in every way," said Fabregas.
The victory kept Barcelona eight points ahead of Real Madrid after Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 15th goal in all competitions to help the defending champions to a 2-0 win over Celta Vigo.
Madrid can now focus on their Champions League visit to German titleholders Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday. Barcelona host Celtic tomorrow.
Messi leads the Spanish league with 11 goals. Ronaldo is right behind with nine.
Malaga stayed within touch of the Spanish leaders after a 2-1 win over Real Valladolid.
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