Barcelona have moved within one point of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga after thrashing Getafe 4-0 at the Nou Camp this evening.

The visitors almost had a nightmare start to the game when Moya was forced to save sharply from his own player Miku, who almost gave Barcelona an unwitting lead.

The champions didn't have to wait long before they broke the deadlock, however, as Lionel Messi chested the ball down to Alexis Sanchez, who proceeded to curl his shot into the top corner from 20 yards.

Minutes later they almost doubled their lead when first Pedro was denied by Moya and then Xavi's delicate chip was hooked off the line, despite the Barca stalwart's claims that it had gone in.

Messi then missed a good chance before Getafe almost found an equaliser when Ruben Perez saw his shot deflect just past the post.

Alexis Sanchez was then guilty of missing a golden opportunity to extend Barca's advantage when he seemed to have a tap in at the back post, only to find the side netting.

The hosts did finally get their second just before the interval through Messi. The Argentinian played a one-two with Andres Iniesta before slamming his shot into the top corner, his 61st goal of the season.

The first 25 minutes of the second half were quiet as Barca dominated the ball, but they got their second goal after 70 minutes when Isaac Cuenca's cross was met by Sanchez, who nodded in his second of the game.

It was 4-0 just minutes later when Messi's free kick was flicked in by Pedro. Messi almost made it five late but his shot from a tight angle was saved.

The result piles more pressure on Real Madrid, who face local rivals Atletico tomorrow with their lead having been cut to just one point.