Barcelona cruise to victory at Villarreal

(GSM) – Barcelona remain on top in the Spanish Primera Division following a convincing 1-4 win at Villarreal in Saturday’s late game.

After their elimination from the Champions League, Barcelona’s focus returned to the domestic competition with a potentially tough away match to sixth-placed Villarreal.

But Argentinian Lionel Messi put the Catalans ahead after 19 minutes and when Xavi doubled the lead in the 34th, it looked like it would be an easy night after all for the visitors.

Bojan Krkic made it 0-3 shortly before the break and although Joseba Llorente pulled one back seven minutes after the hour, his goal failed to further inspire Villarreal.

With two minutes to go, Messi added his second of the night for a 1-4 final result.

Real Madrid now need to beat Osasuna on Sunday in order to remain at one point from their arch rivals.