BARCELONA: A first half Tiago header set up Atletico Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Espanyol as they seek to get back on track following a stuttering start to the La Liga season.

The Portuguese leapt well and steered a cross from Gabi into the top corner before the break and mid-way through the second half substitute Mario Suarez knocked the ball home from close range.

Antoine Griezmann could have given them a more resounding win five minutes from the end but his shot with the keeper Kiko Casilla beaten came back off the outside of the post.

Atletico moved up to fourth in the table with 17 points from eight games while Espanyol, who struggled against the home side’s physical play, were down at 11th on nine points.

Diego Simeone’s side have lacked the consistency, especially in defense, that won them the championship but they managed to keep a clean sheet following a 3-1 defeat away to Valencia in their last match before the international break.

“I think the team did what it had to do and was in control,” Simeone told a new conference.

“We were playing in the opposition half with Raul (Garcia) and (Mario) Mandzukic in attack finding space as did Juanfran and Arda (Turan) on the wings.

“We were patient and the goal came. In the second half we were even more dominant.”

Valencia are ahead of Atletico on goal difference and later take on Deportivo La Coruna while Sevilla, a point behind, are away at Elche.

Messi nears scoring record

Lionel Messi notched his 250th La Liga goal to move one off the all-time league scoring record as leaders Barcelona won 3-0 against Eibar on Saturday ahead of next weekend’s Clasico with Real Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo maintained his blistering scoring form with two goals as Real swept Levante aside 5-0. They are in second place four points off the pace ahead of the showdown.

Barca needed Xavi to come to the rescue on the hour to finally break the resistance of a resolute Eibar side who are enjoying their first season in the top flight.

Neymar quickly added to the lead and then combined with Messi for the Argentine, who this week celebrated 10 years since his Barca debut, to reach a quarter-century of La Liga goals.

Messi has a chance against Real to beat Telmo Zarra’s record of 251 goals for Athletic Bilbao in the 1940s and ‘50s.

“We found it difficult to get the opener but after that it was a lot easier,” Xavi told reporters.

“They were more tired by then but at the same time we were strong defensively and that should be recognized.” New coach Luis Enrique has strengthened the defense and Barca are still to concede a goal after eight league games.

“Sometimes you score in the first minute but this is football and it just depends. I think we played well,” Xavi added.

“It is not just a coincidence that we haven’t let in a goal but it is the work from all the team. The coach has some set rules and everyone does their own work.”