Lionel Messi scored his 22nd double of 2012 to reach 90 goals as Barcelona beat closest rival Atletico Madrid 4-1 on Sunday, opening up a nine-point lead and sitting 13 in front of Real Madrid in the Spanish league.

It was Barcelona's league-record 15th victory in 16 rounds and came just after floundering Madrid conceded in the final minutes to draw 2-2 at home with the Catalan club's crosstown rival Espanyol.

"This league is ours to lose," said Barcelona defender Gerard Pique.