Goals: Marquez 62', Eto'o 90'+1

Barcelona ensured it did not start 2008 by losing more ground on league leaders Real Madrid by picking up a vital 2-0 win over Mallorca on Saturday.

Rafael Marquez gave Barca the lead in the second half when he converted a Xavi corner, before Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o completed the win with a screaming 30-yard shot in injury time.

The win took Barca to within four points of its bitter rivals from Madrid, which face Real Zaragoza on Sunday.

In Saturday's other game, Espanyol blitzed fellow high-fliers Villarreal with a stunning first-half display to continue its remarkable run of form.

Third-placed Espanyol came into the match on the back of a 15-match unbeaten streak in the league and cup, and there was little chance of that record coming to an end after they netted three times in the opening 36 minutes against shellshocked Villarreal.

Two goals Raul Tamudo and Valmiro Valdo's strike enabled the Barcelona-based side to climb four points clear of their opponents

Mallorca: Lux; Varela, Nunes, David Navarro, Fernando Navarro; Jonás, Basinas (Trejo, 70'), Pereyra, Arango; Ibagaza (Borja Varela, 77'); Güiza (Víctor Casadesús, 48').

Barcelona: Valdés; Puyol, Milito, Márquez, Abidal; Xavi, Touré (Edmilson, 69'), Gudjohnsen (Bojan, 46'); Giovani (Henry, 63'), Eto'o, Iniesta.