Madrid: Barcelona warmed up for their highly anticipated Champions League clash with Manchester City in midweek with a 6-0 thrashing of Rayo Vallecano to remain on top of La Liga on goal difference.
Atletico Madrid remain level on points with the Catalans as they too were 3-0 winners over Valladolid on Saturday.
Adriano got Barcelona off to a flying start when he curled home the opener inside two minutes.
Lionel Messi and Pedro Rodriguez then struck the post before Messi doubled Barca’s lead before half time with a delightful lob over Ruben Martinez.
The Argentine then teed up Alexis Sanchez to make it three before Pedro rounded off a wonderful team move involving Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas.
Messi got his second of the evening midway through the second half to overtake Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano as the third-highest scorer of all-time in La Liga on 228 goals.
And Neymar rounded off a perfect evening for the hosts on his return from a sprained ankle when he blasted home the sixth from long-range two minutes from time.
Barca boss Gerardo Martino handed a rest to Xavi Hernandez, Javier Mascherano and Jordi Alba with the City clash in mind, whilst Neymar made his return from an ankle injury as he was named on the bench.
Earlier, two goals inside the first four minutes guided Atletico to a comfortable win over Valladolid.
After three consecutive defeats in league and Cup it was imperative for Diego Simeone’s men to get back to winning ways.
Raul Garcia opened the scoring from a free kick after three minutes before Diego Costa lofted in his 25th goal of the season 60 seconds later. Diego Godin rounded off the scoring when he headed home the third from a corner in the 73rd minute.
In other matches, Levante beat Almeria 1-0, while Celta Vigo were 2-0 winners at Villareal. Elche and Osasuna drew 0-0 on Friday. (AFP)