Two goals from star striker Luis Suarez saw Barcelona thrash local rivals Espanyol 4-1 in their La Liga clash at the Camp Nou here on Monday.
The Spanish giants remained in possession throughout the match, with Suarez putting his side ahead in the 18th minute after a brilliant pass from Andres Iniesta.
The Uruguayan, who recently signed a new five-year extension deal with Barcelona, then doubled his side lead in the 67th after a mazy run from Lionel Messi, the Guardian reported.
Just a minute later, Barcelona pulled back one more goal via defender Ramos Jordi Alba before Espanyol's David Lopez finally opened their account in the 79th minute.
After assisting Suarez and Alba, Messi scored the goal of his own in the dying minutes to bring Barcelona's league commitments for 2016 to a stylish close.
With the win, Barcelona have moved to second place in the table and slashed down their gap with the La Liga leaders Real Madrid to three points ahead of the winter break.
Barcelona will now lock horns against Villarreal in their next La Liga clash on January 9.
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