Barcelona hit Real for six in Madrid

Double strikes by Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi helped a rampant Barcelona thrash Real Madrid 6-2 in a spectacular clash at the Bernabeu yesterday. The victory meant Barca, chasing their first title in three years, extended their lead over second-placed Real to seven points with four games left.

Defeat ended Real's 18-match unbeaten league run, 17 wins and a draw, since they lost 2-0 at Barca in December. The Madrid club have won the title for the last two years.

Real started nervously and Sergio Ramos gave the ball away to Messi in a dangerous position in the first minute. The Argentina international squared to Xavi but the midfielder's shot was easily smothered by keeper Iker Casillas.

Ramos redeemed himself when he skipped past Eric Abidal and sent over a perfect cross for Gonzalo Higuain to nod superbly past keeper Victor Valdes in the 14th minute.

Real's lead lasted only four minutes, Henry bursting clear on the right and finishing coolly before captain Carles Puyol headed in a Xavi free-kick to make it 2-1.

Dangerman Messi and Samuel Eto'o both went close to extending the visitors' lead before Xavi stole the ball from Lassana Diarra in midfield and Messi raced on to the loose ball to slot home after 36 minutes.

Real came out fighting and Ramos headed in Arjen Robben's free-kick in the 56th to briefly give the home fans hope but Barca always looked like adding to their tally and Henry, Messi and Gerard Pique completed the rout.

Coach Pep Guardiola fielded his strongest side and the win will give the Catalans a boost ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg at Chelsea on Wednesday.

Barca have 85 points from 34 matches and have scored a remarkable 100 goals.