A second half goal from Gerard Pique gave FC Barcelona a deserved 1-0 win away to Villarreal on Saturday night.
The win sees Barcelona move eight points clear of Real Madrid and it would now take a disaster to stop the Catalans winning their third consecutive title under the guidance of coach Pep Guardiola.
Perhaps knowing that title rivals Real Madrid had lost at home to Sporting Gijon and their lead would be five points no matter what happened in the el Madrigal Stadium, Barcelona coach Guardiola decided to make changes to his side resting Leo Messi and handing starts to Ibrahima Affelay and young midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
Perhaps as a result of Barca's changes, Villarreal started better and Victor Valdes had to be at his best to deny Giuseppe Rossi, who was clean through on Barcelona goal after just four minutes.
Valdes had to react against after 12 minutes to stop another Rossi shot, before Barcelona began to string their passing game together. However, without the suspended Xavi Hernandez, their moves lacked their usual crispness and Villarreal were able to get men behind the ball.
As a result Barcelona were controlling the ball, but struggling to force a save from home keeper Diego Lopez, although there were plenty of nervous moments for the Villarreal fans.
Guardiola reacted early in the second half, bringing Messi into the game for midfielder Seydou Keita and Barca's football immediately gained in crispness as his pace and ability to beat his marker came into play.
Affelay shot at Lopez and an Alves run after 67 minutes ended in a corner. Sergio Busquets flicked the corner on to the far post where Pique controlled the ball on his chest to volley his side into the lead.
Barca were on top and minutes later Alves should have done better after another run ended with a tame cross with Thiago unmarked.
The visitors were enjoying 70 percent of the ball and Villarreal's only chance was a free kick that Borja Valero hit high and wide, before Messi drew a fine save from Lopez from a set piece at the other end.
Valdes made reflex save to deny Santi Cazorla five minutes from time, but Barcelona held on to move eight points clear of Real Madrid with eight games left to play.
