LaLiga: Barcelona cruised past Rayo Vallecano

Barcelona re-established their seven point lead at the top of LaLiga, with a 3-1 home win against relegation threatened Rayo Vallecano.

The visitors had looked to upset the odds early on, with Raùl de Tomas firing home, on 24 minutes, for his 11th LaLiga goal of the season.

However, Barcelona responded quickly and Piqué headed in from a Messi free kick on 38 minutes, to send the Catalan side in on level terms at the break.

The game turned on 51 minutes, as Rayo defender Jordi Amat was adjudged to have fouled Nelson Semedo inside the area, and Messi fired home his 26th league goal of 2018-19.

Suàrez finally slotted in his fourth goal in as many games.

The result means that Michel's side stay two points adrift of safety in the relegation zone, as Barcelona took another step towards retaining their league title.