Barcelona bounced back from their weekend defeat at Getafe by easing to victory over Rayo Vallecano this evening.
Goals from David Villa and Lionel Messi, as well as Alexis Sanchez's third and fourth goals in a Barca shirt, helped the home side to a 4-0 win. They have now not conceded in a record 12 league games at home.
After half an hour of sustained pressure Sanchez broke the deadlock by finishing off a swift passing move with an unstoppable curling effort.
Barca then scored two goals in three minutes with Sanchez poking home his second before Dani Alves laid in Villa to give the European champions a three-goal lead at the break.
Messi made it four by scoring his customary goal after jinxing through two defenders and finishing from a tight angle.
Pep Guardiola's side still remain three points behind Real Madrid, who also have a game in hand.
Pascal Lemesre
