FC Barcelona rested key players for their Spanish Primera Liga game away to Zaragoza, but still had few problems as they cruised to a 3-0 win which takes them three points closer to the league title.
Two goals from Christian Tello and an opening strike from Thiago Alcantara gave Barca the points against a Zaragoza side that is starting to look like a clear candidate for relegation.
Messi, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Jordi Alba were rested.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice and set up a third for Gonzalo Higuain as a near full-strength Real muscled their way to a 3-0 win at Athletic Bilbao to stay second with 68 points.
United triumph
london: Manchester United took another big step towards reclaiming the Premier League title with a 2-0 win at Stoke City as Manchester City and Wigan Athletic booked an FA Cup final meeting at Wembley.
Michael Carrick put United ahead at Stoke with an early goal and a second-half penalty by Robin van Persie sealed a victory which left his team 15 points ahead of second-placed City with six games left.
Champions City beat Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley on Sunday in the second FA Cup semi-final, Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero scoring the goals.
{{/usCountry}}Champions City beat Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley on Sunday in the second FA Cup semi-final, Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero scoring the goals.
{{/usCountry}}Premier League strugglers Wigan overcame Championship (second division) Millwall 2-0 on Saturday to reach their first FA Cup final.