Barcelona have gotten a favourable lead at the top of the table, after the 3-0 win over Sevilla.

Following Madrid’s 1-0 defeat to Mallorca, Barca are now 8 points clear at the top.

Barca boss Xavi Hernandez has however insisted that Madrid remain favourites to win the La Liga, as they are the defending champions.

Xavi said: “I see ourselves as candidates to win the league, but the favourite is always the defending champion.

“It’s [Real] Madrid, and we can’t lower our intensity at any moment. They can beat anyone.

“We’re 8 points clear of Madrid, but that means nothing now. We have to continue. There have been crazy comebacks in La Liga before. We have to avoid that at all costs.

“We’re only in February, and we have any tough matches upcoming. The euphoria is nice, but we have to be cautious.”