MADRID (Agencies) - Real Madrid drew 0-0 at Deportivo La Coruna to slip seven points behind leader Barcelona, which shook off the absence of key players and a recent dip in form to beat Mallorca 3-0 and secure a firm grip on the Spanish League. Lionel Messi, David Villa and Pedro Rodriguez all scored as the Spanish champion put some extra distance between itself and closest rival Madrid, which couldn't break a stubborn defensive Deportivo despite Cristiano Ronaldo and Emmanuel Adebayor both hitting the post on late chances. Barcelona has 68 points to Madrid's 61 with 13 game to play. "Obviously it's a step backward," Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas said. The absence of Xavi Hernandez, Carles Puyol, Daniel Alves and Victor Valdes made little difference at Son Moix Stadium as Barcelona overcame early pressure by the hosts before Messi headed home his league-leading 26th goal in the 38th minute. Seydou Keita scooped into the area for the Argentina forward, who headed the pass forward before using his head again to guide over goalkeeper Dudu Aouate for his 42nd goal of the season. Villa reached Sergio Busquets' well-played long-ball before Aouate and after rounding the Israel goalkeeper rolled home his 17th of the season. Pedro's 13th goal was a long-range shot in the 66th that dipped over Aouate into the top of goal. "There's still a lot of league left, we still have to go to Valencia, to Villarreal, to the Bernabeu, a lot to go," Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said. Earlier, Atletico Madrid twice rallied to secure a 2-2 draw against Sevilla and Espanyol beat Real Sociedad 4-1 to end a four-game losing streak. Also, Sporting Gijon and Zaragoza drew 0-0 in a match of relegation.