Barcelona’s 3-1 win over Malaga on Sunday saw it smash the La Liga record for most points earned in the first half of a season. The Catalan club has now earned 55 out of a possible 57 points from its first 19 games against its fellow opponents in Spain’s first division The previous record of 52 points from a possible 57 was set by Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona in the 2010-2011 campaign.

Barca’s only draw came in the first “Clasico” of the year, a 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou against bitter rival Real Madrid, which sits an astonishing 18 points behind the league leader in third place. Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid is second, with 44 points.

Remarking on his team’s remarkable first half of the season, Barca coach Tito Vilanova said: “We are very pleased to have earned 55 points from a possible 57. It is incredible to have won 10 games on the road. ... Possibly we may not repeat a run like this. It would not be normal. ...  It was unthinkable to have this advantage early in the season.”