Buoyed by arch-rivals Real Madrid's loss to Getafe earlier in the evening, Primera Liga pacesetters Barca downed Sevilla 3-0 thanks to goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi (2) to extend their lead over Real to six points.

Villarreal could trim Barca's advantage at the top back to four points with a victory over bottom club Recreativo Huelva later today, but whatever happens Guardiola knows his side are in a great position.

"The changing room is happy. It's a step more where we have picked up three very important points against a team and a set of fans who are extraordinary." he said.

"We have taken an important step, although we are still in November and there are no champions now."

Barca's win took their record to 10 league victories in 11 games, with the only blemish being last weekend`s 1-1 home draw with Getafe.

That hugely impressive run of form will be tested to the limit over the next few weeks, though, as Barca face Valencia, Real Madrid and Villarreal in successive games.

Captain Carles Puyol felt the win over Sevilla was valuable, but, like his coach, insists it is still early days in the season.

"We worked very hard in a game against a very difficult opponent. We are happy with the job we did," he said.

"They are only three points, there is an awful lot of the league left. Now we are about to face some good teams, similar to the one we played here, and we have to face those games with the same desire.

"This result is very important for us, above all for our confidence. This is the path to follow.

"If we continue thinking only about what we have to do and continue going out the same way in each game, we will achieve our objectives."

Barca are without a major piece of silverware since winning the Primera Liga and Champions League in 2006.