Barcelona handed out a 5-0 thrashing to Deportivo and in doing so, set a new record for the number of points gained during the first half of the season, a total of 50.
Messi opened the scoring midway through the first half and Henry added a second just a few minutes later. Eto’o grabbed a third as Barcelona ended the half three in front.
Although Barca dominated the second half, it wasn’t until eight minutes before the end that Henry scored his second of the night and Barcelona’s fourth.
Deportivo then lost Arananzubia, ordered back to the dressing room after bringing down Puyol, and Eto’o got his second of the night from the penalty spot.
Sevilla are back up to second place in La Liga, although it could only be a temporary move, after struggling to a 1-0 win against Numancia. A late goal from Renato decided matters. Numancia ended the match with ten men after Cisma was ordered from the field following a second booking of the night.
In Division Two, second placed Zaragoza lost 1-0 to struggling Córdoba, José Vega scoring the only goal of the match. Córdoba were another team to end up with only ten players on the pitch.
Meanwhile, third placed Salamanca also lost, 2-3 to Murcia. Capdevila gave Murcia an early lead but then goals from Quique Matín and Miku turned the scoreline around, only temporarily though, as Bruno and de Lucas proceeded to find the net for the visitors.
Salamanca now lose third spot to Hércules who were 3-0 winners against Albacete, goals from Aguilar, Tote and Farinós.