Barcelona issued a La Liga title warning to Real Madrid with a dominant 4-0 at home to Sevilla.
Ernesto Valverde's side were in control from start to finish against Julen Lopetegui's visitors, with three first half goals putting the defending La Liga champions in command.
Luis Suarez got the ball rolling for the hosts on 28 minutes, netting a spectacular bicycle kick from close range, after being picked out by Nelson Semedo's deep cross.
With the home fans in fine voice, Valverde's side flexed their muscles with two goals in quick succession just after the half hour mark.
First midfielder Arturo Vidal capitalised on some slack defending by Sevilla to steal in behind and slot home Arthur Melo's deflected pass, before Ousmane Dembele marked his return to the starting line up with a brilliant solo goal.
The French international benefited from a loose ball in midfield, to drive past two challenges, and curl home a low effort past Thomas Vaclik from 15 yards out.
The hosts took their foot off the gas after the break, with Luuk De Jong and Lucas Ocampos both wasting chances to get their side back into the game.
Lionel Messi put the result beyond any realistic doubt with a quarter of an hour to go, curling home a trademark free kick from 25 yards.
The game ended in controversy for La Blaugrana, as substitute Ronald Araujo was shown a straight red card on his senior debut, for pulling back fellow substitute Javier Hernandez in the final minute.
The situation was made even worse for Barcelona, as Dembele received also received a red card for protesting to the referee about the Araujo dismissal.
