Spain: Messi hat trick carries Barcelona

Lionel Messi now has 17 goals this season.

Lalo R. Villar/AP

MADRID (AP) -- With Lionel Messi as a three-time goal-taker and Cesc Fabregas as a three-time goal-maker, 10-man Barcelona won a wild 5-4 shootout at Deportivo La Coruna in the Spanish league on Saturday.

Also, Cristiano Ronaldo helped Real Madrid labor to a 2-0 win over Celta Vigo.

Fabregas set up Jordi Alba's opener before passing for Messi to score twice more as Barcelona roared to 3-0 just 18 minutes in.

But some dubious officiating saw Javier Mascherano sent off in the 49th, and the visitors needed Messi's superb individual effort in the 77th to stay unbeaten and secure the victory with his 17th overall goal.

Earlier, Ronaldo scored for the 15th time in all competitions as Madrid warmed up for its highly anticipated Champions League visit to German titleholder Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday. Barcelona hosts Celtic a day earlier.

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