New Delhi: Bojan Krkic scored twice to put Barcelona six points clear at the top of the table again as the Catalans produced a domineering display to see off the challenge of Almeria.
Barcelona moved six points clear of Real Madrid again as they beat Almeria thanks to a brace from Bojan Krkic in a match that could have seen them score many more goals.
The young striker netted his brace in the second half as the Blaugrana raised their game in the Mediterraneo to enjoy almost total domination in the opening few minutes after the break.
Pep Guardiola was confident enough to give Bojan a starting place while Samuel Eto'o began on the bench.
Sitting next to the Cameroonian international was Thierry Henry as Andres Iniesta was employed on the left up front and Seydou Keita slotted into midfield to add some bite alongside Toure Yaya.
Real Madrid may have been hoping that Barca would slip up as they looked for a boost following their Champions League exit, but they were to be disappointed as the visitors were at their best.
Almeria occasionally looked to cause them concern at the back, but Xavi was given far too much time, while Daniel Alves rampaged up and down the right flank to great effect.
In the 10th minute the hosts keeper, Diego Alves, was called into action as he made a superb stop to deny Keita after the Mali international aimed for goal from 12 yards out.
The hosts had their chances too in a first half where Barcelona did not fire on all cylinders and the best opening came in the 33rd minute as the tireless Crusat tested Victor Valdes.
Moments later Acasiete had to perform heroics at the other end as he prevented Messi from opening the scoring and as half-time approached Diego Alves made two superb stops to deny Iniesta and then Gerard Pique.
Carles Puyol was also missing from the Barca defence, after he added his name to a list that already includes Eric Abidal and Gaby Milito, but the visitors' back four rarely looked troubled.
Whatever Guardiola said at the break worked as seven minutes in the first goal came when Iniesta found Messi, he cut across Acasiete before striking the post with a low drive and Bojan pounced on the rebound to slide the ball into the net.
Almeria must have known then that they were up against it, but three minutes later the game appeared to be all but over when Bojan netted his second of the evening.
While the finish may have deflected in, the move to create the goal was sublime as Alves advanced towards the area before finding Messi, who in turn back-heeled to Iniesta, who flicked the ball back to Alves and the Brazilian found Bojan.
The youngster was able to dummy a shot before taking aim and enjoyed some fortune as the ball hit Acasiete and wrong-footed the hapless Diego Alves in the Almeria goal
That goal gave Barcelona some space and allowed Guardiola to make changes as Eto'o entered the fray before Eidur Gudjohnsen and Aliaksandr Hleb were also given a run out.
While Barcleona dominated possession they were unable to create many more chances, but the job was already done and Madrid will have to try again next week.
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