Barcelona went four points clear at the top of the table after their 4-1 win over Villarreal.

After being sunk by Inter Milan on Wednesday night, the Catalans faced a stern challenge to their domestic ambitions against a Villarreal side that had won their past six matches at El Madrigal.

But Pep Guardiola's side quickly extinguished the threat with three first-half goals from Lionel Messi, Xavi and Bojan Krkic to ensure a more comfortable evening than could have been expected.

Villarreal did manage to pull a goal back after the break through half-time substitute Joseba Llorente, but Barca were never stretched and Messi added his second two minutes from the end.

Barca president Joan Laporta said: "We had to move forward after being eliminated in the Champions League and in this respect, I congratulate the staff and the players because they have reacted. We stayed faithful to our system and we played a great game.

"We have no choice now but to win all our remaining three games if we want to win the championships.

"Now, we have to play a Tenerife side who also need to go for a victory to avoid relegation."