Barcelona thrashed Rayo Vallecano 7-0 after a dismal week for the club.

Out of the Champions League and La Liga title race, plus Pep Guardiola's decision to step down, Barca were able to bounce back yesterday.

Lionel Messi started and finished the scoring, with Barca's other goals coming from a Pedro Rodriguez brace, Seydou Keita, Thiago and a Robert own goal.

The result leaves Barca seven points behind Madrid with three games remaining and was the perfect response to a week that has rocked the Nou Camp club.