体坛英语新闻：Messi scores hat-trick to maintain Barca's 8-point lead over Real

MADRID, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- Leo Messi's hat-trick helped FC Barcelona overcome a disastrous refereeing performance and maintain their eight point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the Spanish La Liga on Sunday.

Barca's thrilling 5-4 win on Saturday night had excitement and controversy. After Barca went 3-0 up after just 17 minutes thanks to goals from Jordi Alba, Christian Tello and Leo Messi, a dreadful decision from referee Parados Romero awarded Deportivo a penalty after a clear Riki dive outside the Barca area.

Bergantinos made it 3-2 before Messi's second of the night to make it 4-2 two minutes from the break.

Pizzi made it 4-3 with a free kick three minutes into the second half and Barca then found themselves down to 10 men as Riki exaggerated and accidental contact with Javier Mascherano to earn the defender a second booking.

Messi then completed his hat-trick with a fine solo goal, but there was more drama after Alba scored a bizarre own goal with 11 minutes remaining to make it 5-4.

Deportivo hurled everything forward but Barca were able to hold on, although it is clear they will have to improve in defense.

Real Madrid had a very comfortable 2-0 home win to recently promoted Celta Vigo.

Gonzalo Higuain scored a deflected shot 12 minutes into the first half and a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty after a questionable decision by referee Clos Gomez 22 minutes from time sealed the win for Jose Mourinho's side.

Atletico Madrid remain level of points with Barcelona thanks to a 90th minute free kick from Radamel Falcao, which gave them a 1-0 win away to Real Sociedad on Sunday night.

Falcao's impressive strike from outside of the penalty area means he has scored nine goals in eight league matches.

First half goals from Helder Postiga and Victor Rodriguez put Zaragoza on track to a 2-1 win away to Granada.

Zaragoza were in control for most of the game but were made to suffer in the closing minutes after El-Arabi's header 13 minutes from time gave Granada hope.

Meanwhile Osasuna and Betis produced a totally forgettable 0-0, which leaves Osasuna bottom of the table and Betis fifth.

Sunday kicked off with a dull game between Getafe and Levante, which the visitors won thanks to a magnificent goal from Levante striker Michel Herrero making the difference in an otherwise grim affair.

Espanyol took their first win of the season 3-2 at home Rayo Vallecano, Christian Stauni scored the winning goal in injury time when the game had looked to be heading for a draw. Saturday saw Malaga remain in third place after coming from behind to defeat Valladolid 2-1. Manucho put Valladolid ahead after nine minutes and a well-organized display by the visitors frustrated Malaga until Izco equalized after 38 mnutes.

Manucho was sent off for a second yellow card with 10 minutes remaining and Joaquin Sanchez missed a penalty for Malaga with five minutes remaining. However, he then made amends by scoring the winning goal from close range two minutes later as the Valladolid defense suffered a major loss of concentration.

Two late goals gave Valencia what had looked an unlikely 3-2 win at home to Athletic Club Bilbao. Two goals from Aritz Aduriz, against the club that had sold him this summer had put Athletic 2- 1 up, but following Ander Herrera's 70th minute sending off, and 88th and 90th minute goal from Tino Costa and Nelson Valdez gave the home side a dramatic three points.