With three matches left to play, Los Che have 42 points, just three more than 18th-placed Recreativo Huelva.

The Blaugrana showed there is still life after their Champions League exit and played all their magic at the Camp Nou.

It took them only five minutes to find the net as Lionel Messi broke the deadlock from the spot.

Ten minutes later, Xavi doubled the lead with a strong shot from 20 yards out.

Frenchman Thierry Henry, who only scored five times in the last 25 league games, grabbed a fine double to make it four.

Teenager Bojan Krkic also hit a brace to increase his tally to nine goals this season.

Frank Rijkaard’s men are now third with 64 points, four behind second-placed Villarreal.