Barcelona thumped Rayo Vallecano 4-0 last night.

Barca lost at Getafe at the weekend, leaving their rivals from Madrid with a six-point lead and prompting many to predict the title race was already almost over.

Pep Guardiola's side remain an unstoppable force at home though, and two goals from Alexis Sanchez and a third from David Villa killed the game off before half-time.

Lionel Messi's strike after the break left Barca having scored 34 and conceded none at the Nou Camp this term but, though it should end talk of a slump, they remain well back on Madrid having played a game more.