Alexis Sanchez scored twice with further goals from Lionel Messi and Pedro as Pepe Guardiola's men took advantage of their title rivals' surprise home draw with Valencia on Sunday.

Sanchez opened the scoring in the 13th minute following a through-ball by Messi, and the Argentinian made it on the scoresheet just before half-time. Sanchez's second in the 73rd minute was followed by Pedro's strike one minute later.

Two Raul Garcia goals helped Osasuna consolidate sixth place with a 2-0 home win over fast-fading Espanyol, who ended the match with nine men.

Garcia opened the scoring in the 53rd minute and one minute later Espanyol's Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho was sent off. Garcia added his second on 69, before Juan Forlin was also red carded eight minutes from time.

Real Sociedad nudged further clear of the relegation zone after a 1-1 home draw with Real Betis. On-loan striker Carlos Vela put the hosts ahead in the 56th minute before Ruben Castro's equaliser 20 minutes from time.