Madrid: Lionel Messi continued his recent torment of Zaragoza by scoring both goals in Barcelona's 2-0 victory on Saturday.
The Argentine forward followed up last season's hat-trick at La Romareda stadium with another dominant display to take his Spanish league tally to five goals.
David Villa drew four defenders with a 42nd-minute run before slipping a pass to Messi, who was alone on keeper Antonio Doblas to score with a left-footed shot.
Zaragoza was reduced to 10 men from the 47th after Leonardo Ponzio received a red card. Messi took advantage by shooting a loose ball past Doblas in the 66th.
Barcelona has 19 points with Real Madrid next on 17. Meanwhile, last-place Zaragoza remains winless through eight games.
Doblas was tested by Messi with a rising shot from just outside the area after eight minutes and Andres Iniesta's dangerous cross was then cleared in the 12th after Messi sliced a pass through the crowded Zaragoza area.
Braulio Rodriguez weakly shot at Victor Valdes after being played clear on goal by Angel Lafita in the 19th for Zaragoza's best chance.
Barcelona was relying on its star and Messi, sprung loose by Villa's pass, relieved some of the pressure after a lackluster start with the opening goal.
Zaragoza, which appears set for another season-long relegation fight, was handicapped when Ponzio lashed out at Daniel Alves. Zaragoza never really recovered from the Argentine's exit and Barcelona nearly took advantage in the 61st but Doblas saved Messi's close-range shot.
Doblas couldn't do much to stop the second as Messi pounced on the rebound from a Seydou Keita strike.
Villa's frustration over his inability to find the net despite no lack of chances this season continued in the 87th as the Spain striker hit an angled shot off the near post. Villa's tally of two goals is his lowest output at this stage since 2003-04, when he was at Zaragoza.
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