Messi at the double in convincing win

Goals from David Villa, Lionel Messi, Xavi and Cesc Fabregas saw Barcelona run out 5-0 winners against Rayo Vallecano.

With Tito Vilanova's side starting the match with only two recognised defenders, it was no surprise to see the home team attack the Blaugrana backline from the off.

Jose Carlos was using his pace down the right-hand side to cause some problems, and the constant threat from set-pieces was unsettling the Camp Nou side.

It didn't last long though, as on 20 minutes, a delightful Fabregas pass found Villa, who struck first time to give his team the lead.

Fabregas himself almost doubled the lead himself on half an hour, but his chipped effort was saved well by Ruben, as Barca started getting into their devastating rhythm.

The Franjirrojos were determined to turn the half into a scrappy affair, but the Catalan club's tiki-taka style saw them through to the break unscathed.

After the interval however, the visitors came flying out the traps, and scored almost immediately. A cross from Martin Montoya on the right-hand side found Messi on the edge of the area, who took a touch and caressed it into the back of the net.

The hosts were not overawed by the task that lay ahead of them though, as they slowly started to get back into the match. The introduction of Lass gave Paco Jemez's side more drive from midfield, but they failed to create any meaningful chances from their dominance.

It remained an end-to-end game, but the result was sealed on 79 minutes when Jordi Alba pulled the ball back from the byline to Xavi, who poked it into the far corner.

And it got even better for the Blaugrana just a minute later. Pedro, from the right, whipped a ball into the area, where Fabregas was there to volley home.

But there was still time for more, as Messi rounded Ruben with a minute to go to seal all three points and maintain their unbeaten record for the season.

Rayo Vallecano 0-5 Barcelona

Scorers: Villa 20 (B), Messi 48, 89 (B), Xavi 79 (B), Fabregas 80 (B)

Rayo Vallecano: Ruben; Tito, Rodri, Amat, Casado (Bille 67); Jose Carlos, Javi Fueto, Piti (Lass 57), Chori; Delibasic, Leo (Vazquez 74)

Barcelona: Valdes; Montoya, Song, Adriano, Alba (Bartra 81); Xavi (Dos Santos 84), Busquets, Fabregas; Pedro, Messi, Villa (Sanchez 63)

La Liga - Club News