BARCELONA (Reuters) - Barcelona thrashed Osasuna 7-1 on Wednesday as Lionel Messi, Andre Gomes and Paco Alcacer each scored twice to send them three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. Osasuna, 20th, were relegated after 17th-placed Leganes beat Las Palmas 3-0 to move 12 points clear, an insurmountable total for Osasuna with four games to go because of their inferior head-to-head record. Barcelona coach Luis Enrique said: “I think it was a complete performance. With Osasuna reluctant to leave their half, Barcelona dominated possession and soon had their second, as Gomes slammed home a goal that will boost his confidence after some shaky performances and criticism from fans. It was the Argentine's first goal for the club in 319 appearances after his arrival from Liverpool in 2010.

Source: The Star April 26, 2017 20:50 UTC