Lionel Messi double puts Barcelona four points clear of Real Madrid

Barcelona will top La Liga heading into next weekend's El Clasico with Real Madrid following their 2-0 win over struggling Eibar.

Lionel Messi's penalty set the Catalan side on their way to victory at the Ipurua and the Argentine superstar headed home a second after half time to secure the points.

© Getty Images

The Blaugrana almost forged a second-minute lead when Adriano's cross was headed narrowly wide by Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic.

Eibar managed to prevent Barca from creating clear-cut chances in the opening quarter, despite the visitors having 73% of possession in the first period.

However, Luis Enrique's side were able to breakthrough after they were awarded a penalty for Borja's handball in the penalty area.

Messi stepped up to slot the ball past Jaime for his 31st goal of the campaign.

Barca almost added a second soon after the interval when Neymar collected Rakitic's pass and tried to lift the ball over Jaime, but the Eibar keeper was equal to his strike.

The away side were not denied a second for long after Messi's header nestled in the net from Rakitic's corner.

Javi Lara threatened to pull a goal back for Eibar when his shot from distance brought the first meaningful save out of Claudio Bravo.

In the final moments, substitute Federico Piovaccari saw his late effort come back off the crossbar as the hosts were denied a consolation.

Barcelona's victory will gives them at least a one-point advantage at the top of the table going into their clash with old foes Real next Sunday.