Two goals by Lionel Messi inspired leaders Barcelona to a 4-2 victory at Mallorca after the hosts had threatened to derail their visitors’ bid for a 10th win in this season’s Primera Division.

Barcelona were cruising at 3-0 up at half-time thanks to goals from Xavi, Messi and Cristian Tello. However, Mallorca scored twice in four second-half minutes through Michael Pereira and a Victor Casadesus penalty but Messi struck to bring the hosts’ comeback to a halt. Atletico Madrid moved back to within three points of Barcelona after beating Getafe 2-0.

Substitute Alvaro Morata earned Real Madrid a near-farcical 2-1 win over Levante at a waterlogged Estadi Ciutat de Valencia. Cristiano Ronaldo fired Real into a first-half lead but Angel Rodriguez equalised in the 62nd minute.