Barca beats Deportivo, Real Madrid downs Almeria

Barcelona remains five points clear at the top of the Spanish league following a late 3-1 victory against Deportivo La Coruna, while Real Madrid beats Almeria 4-2.

Barcelona's european footballer of the year Lionel Messi scored a brilliant opener after 27 minutes, but Deportivo hit back later in the first half through Adrian Lopez at the Riazor Stadium on Saturday, Press TV reported.

Pep Guardiola's side retook the lead when once again Argentina winger Messi headed a crucial 80th minute goal, while in-form Zlatan Ibrahimovic made it 3-1 with a late strike two minutes from time.

"It was a difficult game because they were well organized and they know us very well," said Messi.

"It was a really important win," he added. "We have won all three matches this week but there are plenty of games still to go."

Meanwhile, Real Madrid defeated Almeria 4-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu on the same day.

Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos put the hosts in front with an early goal, but Almeria made it 2-1 through Fernando Soriano and Kalu Uche.

However, young forwards Gonzalo Higuain, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the last 15 minutes of the game to turn the tables.

Title holder Barcelona now tops the Spanish La Liga on 36 points from 14 games, while Real has 31 from 13 matches.