Barcelona hit Getafe for six to consolidate their leadership at the top of the table.

Lionel Messi created three goals and scored another as Barcelona warmed up for their Champions League showdown with Arsenal by thrashing Getafe 6-0 at the Nou Camp to equal a club record 12 consecutive La Liga wins.

The Argentinian missed a fourth penalty of the season after Juan Rodriguez's own goal had given the Catalans the lead after just eight minutes, but soon made amends by laying on goals for Munir El Haddadi and Neymar before he got on the scoresheet himself with a brilliant strike from 20 yards.< p> Messi got his third assist by teeing up Neymar's second after the break and then Arda Turan scored for the second time in three matches with an impressive bicycle kick.

Barca coach Luis Enrique said: "I was very pleased with the serious-minded attitude which the players showed and the rhythm the team set…when we are as precise, sharp and quick as we were today, it's difficult to beat us. Right now we're in a sweet moment, the whole team is brimming with confidence."