Barcelona ensured they did not start 2008 by losing more ground on league leaders Real Madrid by picking up a vital 2-0 win over Mallorca last night.

Rafael Marquez gave Barca the lead in the second half when he converted a Xavi corner, before Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o completed the win with a screaming 30-yard shot in injury time.

The win took Barca to within four points of their bitter rivals from Madrid, who face Real Zaragoza later today.

In yesterday's other game, Espanyol blitzed fellow high-fliers Villarreal with a stunning first-half display to continue their remarkable run of form with a 3-0 win.

Two goals Raul Tamudo and Valmiro Valdo's strike enabled the Barcelona-based side to climb four points clear of their opponents.