Barcelona registered a convincing 3-0 win at Atletico Madrid on Sunday with strikes from Joao Felix, Robert Lewandowski and Fermin Lopez.
The win helped the Catalan move to second in the La Liga standings but they are still eight points behind table-toppers Real Madrid.
Atletico applied pressure on Barcelona in the early stages of the match but the visitors took the lead in the 38th minute with Lewandowski setting up Felix for an easy close-range finish.
Lewandowski doubled his side’s advantage two minutes into the second half as the Pole scored his 13th league goal of the season.
Barca coach Xavi was sent off in the first half for making an observation on a referee decision with a 'screaming voice' and hand gestures but that didn’t affect his side as Lopez sealed the deal in the 65th minute with a towering header off Lewandowski's second assist.
"It was probably the most complete game. It was a match similar to the one against Napoli," said Xavi referring to their midweek win in the Champions League.
"It's an ideal match for our methodology and philosophy of play. We are Barca, nobody relaxes here. We are going to try to improve and compete for the two most important titles.
"I am passionate and I want my team to win. For me the sending off was unnecessary and unfair but we have to accept it."
Barcelona moved past Girona, who lost 1-0 to Getafe on Saturday, in the table with 64 points.
"We are believing until the end. Trying to cut points and fight for the league," Lopez said. "Xavi told me to play calmly. I think we are in a good dynamic and we hope to extend it as long as possible".
Atletico, who were down to 10 men in stoppage time after Nahuel Molina was shown a red card, suffered their first home loss of the season and are now fifth with 55 points.
"They were better. The second goal took us straight out of the game. Congratulations to them because they played a good game," Atletico manager Diego Simeone said.
"Nothing to complain about my players. They gave their all. Let's stay calm and push for fourth place. It will be complicated and difficult."