Despite playing without star playmaker Xavi, midfield partner Sergi Busquets and Brazilian Dani Alves, Barcelona cruised to a 4-0 win at Deportivo Coruna and upped its point total to 49 out of a possible 54 after 18 games.

Barca got goals from Ballon d'Or finalists Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta as well as David Villa and Pedro to stay two points ahead of Real Madrid, a 4-2 winner over Villarreal, in La Liga.
 
"It was a complete game and we are still top of the league," said Iniesta. "Things are going well and that's important. Our challenge is to keep this up for as long as possible and make it through to the final months when we win titles. There is no time to relax."

The game marked the debut of new Dutch signing Ibrahim Afellay.

"He played the ball well and showed he knows how to play in a team," said Barca coach Pep Guardiola. "He will contribute a lot because he is so dynamic."