Gabi Milito, Bojan Krkic and Lionel Messi struck in the second half to give the Catalans three valuable points following a difficult few days, in which the team had endured reports of dressing room unrest and poor team-spirit.

Brazilian midfielder Edmilson had hinted on Wednesday that several members of the first team were not pulling their weight, saying there were too many "black sheep" in the Blaugranes dressing room.

Former FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho was believed by many to be one of the players Edmilson was referring to and he did not play on Saturday.

But it was Recre who were left feeling sheepish as they were outplayed at the Nou Camp.

Champions Real Madrid have enjoyed watching the discomfort of arch-rivals Barca during the week but they were left with egg on their faces after a 1-1 draw at Real Murcia.

Robinho put the capital club ahead only for Enrique De Lucas to level things up and Real finished with 10 men after the sending-off of Guti.

First-half goals from Ariel Ibagaza and Guillermo Pereyra were enough for 10-man Real Mallorca as they inflicted a 2-1 defeat on inconsistent Sevilla.

The visitors went ahead after 17 minutes through Ibagaza, before Pereyra doubled their lead with a stunning strike just before half-time.

Fredi Kanoute pulled one back immediately after the restart but Mallorca held on, despite having Fernando Varela dismissed for a second booking 15 minutes from time.

On Sunday, Villarreal will go top if they win at home to Almeria while in-form Racing Santander host Valencia. Espanyol visit Osasuna while Real Betis make the trip to Levante.

Real Zaragoza meet Getafe, Atletico Madrid host Real Valladolid and Deportivo La Coruna make the trip to Athletic Bilbao.