BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona avenged their only defeat in the Spanish league this season with a record-equalling 3-0 win over Hercules yesterday, provisionally moving seven points clear of second-placed Real Madrid.

To add to their fierce rivals’ plight, Barcelona’s 15th consecutive league win equals Madrid’s record that had stood since the 1960-61 season. In this winning stretch, Barcelona have outscored their opponents 57-6.

Pedro Rodriguez scored the opener in the 43rd, blasting in a pass from Xavi Hernandez, and Lionel Messi scored two goals in the last three minutes to seal the win at Rico Perez stadium.

Hercules had stunned the defending champions in week to with a 2-0 victory at Camp Nou, but Barcelona dominated yesterday and could have scored more goals.

Barcelona have 58 points. Madrid have 51 ahead of their match at Osasuna today.

In an up-and-down opening, Barcelona threatened through shots by Messi and Pedro. But Hercules had the best chance, David Trezeguet poking Nelson Valdez’s pass just past the left post in the 21st.

After the scare from the former France striker, Barcelona took control of possession and the game, and Pedro soon converted Barcelona’s dominance into their first goal.

Pep Guardiola’s team smothered Hercules in their own half after the restart, with Pedro having a goal disallowed in the 65th and Messi grazing the right post from inside the area shortly afterward.

Hercules played with 10 men during the last 10 minutes after Francisco Farinos was sent off for a second yellow card. Messi soon took advantage with one of his trademark left-footed shots from the edge of the area in the 87th. The Argentina star then pushed in a pass from Dani Alves for Barcelona’s third in the 89th.

Messi has 38 goals — 21 in the league — and nine doubles in all competitions this season.

Earlier, Sporting Gijon routed Mallorca 4-0 for their first away win in the league this season, and Levante downed Getafe 2-0.