Messi scores 2 as Barcelona ends run of draws in Spain

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Lionel Messi scored twice in the second half to lead Barcelona past Osasuna 3-0, ending a run of three consecutive draws for the defending Spanish league champions on Saturday.

Barcelona's first win in four rounds came a week after it drew at home with league leader Real Madrid.

Second-placed Barcelona was within three points of Madrid before the pacesetter hosted Deportivo La Coruna later.

Messi unlocked the hosts' defense in the 59th minute by threading a pass between four defenders to meet Jordi Alba's run into the area. The left back squared the ball for Luis Suarez to tap home.

In similar fashion, Alba set up Messi to side-foot in his first goal in the 73rd after substitute Denis Suarez played Alba clear.

Messi got his second goal in stoppage time, when he took on three defenders, picked his spot and rifled home a left-footed strike.

Messi went to the top of the league scoring table with 11. Suarez pulled level with Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo with 10.

"We knew that once we scored the first goal the match would open up for us, and thankfully the goal came soon enough," Suarez said.

Promoted Osasuna remained bottom and winless at home since its return to the top tier.

Elsewhere:

REAL SOCIEDAD 3, VALENCIA 2

In-form Real Sociedad climbed into fourth place and the Champions League positions after striker Willian Jose scored two early headers to take his tally to nine goals on the season.

After Dani Parejo pulled one back for Valencia from the spot in the 36th, Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves saved Carlos Vela's penalty. The Brazilian goalie has saved 20 of 43 penalties he has faced in league competition.

The only drawback for Sociedad was Willian Jose leaving injured shortly after halftime, but his replacement Juan Jimenez added a third goal in injury time after Valencia lost Joao Cancelo to a second booking.

Valencia substitute Zakari Bakkali scored a solo goal in the final moments.

Cesare Prandelli's Valencia remained winless in the last seven rounds and just above the relegation zone.