Messi misses penalty
Barcelona still wins, increases lead
BARCELONA, Spain — Watch out Real Madrid.
Barcelona can still outscore opponents even on a rare day when Lionel Messi is far from his brilliant self.
Barcelona warmed up for next round's "clasico" match at Madrid by routing Deportivo La Coruna 4-0 Sunday to increase its lead of the Spanish league.
Messi tried to join in the demolition, but the Argentina forward had a penalty saved by goalkeeper Ruben Martinez after he had already been frustrated on three separate occasions when he hit the woodwork. Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez also sent shots off the post.
Barcelona didn't need any goals from Messi, however, as Suarez and Paulinho both scored twice to help the team capitalize on Valencia's loss at Eibar on Saturday.
"If we had practiced to hit the woodwork we probably wouldn't do it as well," Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde joked. "Once the first goal fell, our opponent had to take risks and that made things easier."
Unbeaten Barcelona extended its advantage to six points over Atletico Madrid, which jumped ahead of Valencia by beating Alaves on Saturday. Valencia is eight points behind Barcelona.
Real Madrid is 11 points adrift in fourth with a game in hand before Barcelona visits the Santiago Bernabeu next weekend.
"We are pleased because the best way to prepare for a big match is to get a win beforehand and get that extra boost of confidence," Valverde said. "But nobody wins the league at this point in the season."
Martinez turned back a flurry of three strikes moments before Barcelona got going when Andres Iniesta caught Deportivo off guard trying to leave its own area after a cleared corner kick. AP