Madrid - A handsome 1-0 win away to Getafe on Saturday stretches Barcelona's lead at the top of the Spanish Liga to nine points.

Barca's 12th away win, a new club record, leaves Lionel Messi and company nine points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, who are away to lowly Recreativo Huelva later on Saturday.

Barca have won their last six league games without conceding a single goal.

"It was another good game by us," said playmaker Xavi. "We are enjoying our football and our results are excellent."

The only goal in rainy Getafe came in the 19th minute, when Messi scored with a left-foot drive after taking a clever pass from Xavi and dancing through the local defence.

Barca turned in yet another slick display and should have won by more goals but were kept at bay by Getafe goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic. They also had three good
penalty claims turned down, and a late Messi "goal" disallowed for offside.

League top scorer Samuel Eto'o hit the Getafe post two minutes from time.

Saturday's other big news was Atletico Madrid's 3-0 home win over troubled Numancia, which takes them up to joint fourth.

Atletico won thanks to classy late goals from Ever Banega, Diego Forlan and Simao.

They are now level on 49 points with Valencia, who are at home to third-placed Sevilla on Sunday. Atletico and Valencia are one point ahead of Villareal, who are away to Valladolid on Sunday.

Malaga stay in seventh place, one point behind Villarreal, after being held to a 1-1 draw by Mallorca.

Saturday's other early game saw a 1-0 win for Deportivo Coruna away to Athletic Bilbao, on a late goal from Pablo Alvarez. (dpa)