Robert Lewandowski scored his 24th Barcelona goal as the Catalans beat Cadiz 2-0 to restore their eight-point lead at the top of La Liga on Sunday.
Champions Real Madrid’s win at Osasuna a day earlier drew them closer to Xavi Hernandez’s side, who have one eye on Thursday’s Europa League play-off second leg against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
However, an inspired Ferran Torres assisted Sergi Roberto to break the deadlock and Lewandowski added a second to win the game and leave Cadiz in 17th place, two points above the relegation zone.
The visitors had two goals disallowed at Camp Nou and made Barcelona uncomfortable at times but their victory rarely looked in doubt.