FC Barcelona claimed their widest win of the season (6-0) against Valencia yesterday at the Camp Nou. This victory was not of much use though, as the blaugranas remain third on the Spanish league table and look highly unlikely to qualify directly for next year’s Champions League. The side coached by Frank Rijkaard is four points behind second-place Villarreal with only three games to go.

In a game completely dominated by Barça, Lionel Messi found many opportunities to shine with his dribbles and passes. Leo scored the opening goal -his tenth in the current league season- through a penalty kick that was awarded for a foul committed on himself following one of his trademark runs with the ball. The Argentine also collaborated in the setting up of some of the other goals, scored by Xavi, Henry(2) and Bojan(2).

Meanwhile a ten-man Real Madrid came from behind to beat Osasuna away (2-1) and win the domestic title for the second straight time. The next league date will see Barça and Madrid clash with each other in the clásico at the Bernabéu on Wednesday.