Barcelona continued their rediscovered best form with victory over Rayo Vallecano.

Lionel Messi and David Villa combined to devastating effect to see off Rayo Vallecano and help Barcelona restore their 13-point lead at the top of La Liga.

Rayo could not handle the partnership which accounted for all three goals - Messi netting twice after Villa had opened the scoring.

The visitors remain in mid-table but can feel satisfied with an enterprising display which saw them create numerous chances before Raul Tamudo grabbed a late consolation.

They would have been beaten by a greater margin, however, had Barca made more of the plethora of chances which they carved out.