Barca go six points clear ahead of Clasico

Barcelona

Barcelona players celebrate their victory

Barcelona players celebrate their victory

FC Barcelona moved six points clear at the top of the Spanish La Liga on Sunday and warmed up for next week’s ‘Clasico’ against champions Real Madrid.

The league leaders eased to a 4-0 win at home to Deportivo La Coruna with doubles from Luis Suarez and Paulinho.

Suarez slotted a generous cutback from Lionel Messi into an open goal in the 29th minute to deservedly put Barca ahead.

Brazil international Paulinho got the second in the 41st, tapping in on the rebound after Messi had hit the post.

Messi endured a frustrating night in front of goal and was unable to add to his 14 league goals for the season in spite of hitting the woodwork three times.

He also had a penalty kick saved by former youth team mate Ruben Martinez while the score was 3-0.

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Suarez then scored his fourth goal in three league games by firing in a Sergi Roberto cross from inside the area two minutes into the second half.

Paulinho completed the rout in the 75th, pouncing after Jordi Alba’s shot had come off the post.

Barca hit the woodwork a total of five times in the game, while striker Paco Alcacer was taken off injured in the first half.

He will miss the ‘Clasico’ after being ruled out for three weeks.

Barca lead the Liga standings on 42 points, six ahead of Atletico Madrid in second and eight in front of third-placed Valencia.

They are 11 clear of Real, who have a game in hand.

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