Barcelona travelled to Deportivo La Coruna on Wednesday night off the back of a three-game losing streak in La Liga.
A Luis Suarez double, however, saw Barcelona take a comfortable two-goal lead into the interval.
The visitors then ran riot in the second 45 minutes as Suarez hit two more, while strikes from Ivan Rakitic, Lionel Messi, Marc Bartra and Neymar secured an 8-0 victory for the Catalan side.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
6.01pmEvening all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Riazor as Deportivo La Coruna welcome the champions Barcelona. The visitors have lost their last three in the league to allow Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid back into the title race, but they are still in charge of their own destiny this season. All of the top three in La Liga play this evening and it promises to be a crucial night in the Spanish title race – Barcelona simply cannot afford to suffer another set-back here! Let's hope for an entertaining match!
6.04pmDeportivo have actually picked up a point on each of their last two visits to Camp Nou in the league, but they have lost their last four league games against Barcelona in this stadium. Last season, Barcelona recorded an impressive 4-0 victory and they were also 5-4 winners during the 2012-13 campaign. Indeed, that 5-4 match provided the most goals in a single La Liga clash in this very stadium.
6.07pmRight, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news here. Who have Victor Sanchez and Luis Enrique placed their faith in tonight? Let's find out shall we...
6.10pmTEAMS:
DEPOR: Manu; Laure, Sidnei, Navarro, Juanfran; Mosquera, Alex, Borges, Cani; Lucas, Riera
BARCA: Bravo; Alves, Bartra, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar
6.13pmDeportivo boss Victor Sanchez has made four changes to the team that drew 1-1 with Sevilla at the weekend, with Cani, Oriol Riera, Alex Bergantinos and Laure all coming into the XI. Faycal Fajr and Luis Alberto are among those that have dropped out, but Lucas Perez keeps his position in the final third. Pedro Mosquera and Celso Borges also start in what appears to be a midfield diamond for the hosts.
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6.16pmBarcelona boss Luis Enrique, meanwhile, has made two changes from the team that lost at home to Valencia on Sunday night, with Dani Alves replacing Sergio Roberto at right-back and Marc Bartra taking the place of suspended centre-back Gerard Pique. It is otherwise the same XI that took to the field against Los Che, however, with Lionel Messi, who grabbed his 500th career goal at the weekend, once again joined by Neymar and Luis Suarez in the final third. It is a big night for the front three!
6.19pmSo there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just under 40 minutes from kickoff on this warm evening in La Coruna. I shall talk about Barcelona and their recent struggles a little bit later, but let's start with the home side Deportivo, who appear safe from the drop this season, but are currently on a very poor run of form – winning just one of their last 17 matches in Spain's top flight.
6.22pmVictor Sanchez's team have actually only won seven of their 33 league games this season – no side has won fewer in Spain's top flight – but they have only lost nine times, which is the best record outside of the top four. It has been a season of too many draws for Deportivo, who have incredibly shared the points in 17 of their 33 league fixtures this term. A total of 38 points has left them in 13th position in the table – currently nine points outside of the relegation zone with five games left.
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6.25pmSince beating Eibar 2-0 on December 19, Deportivo actually have only won once in the league – a 2-1 victory over relegation-threatened Levante last month. Since then, they have drawn with both Celta Vigo and Sevilla and also lost at home to Las Palmas. They actually have one of the poorest home records in the league this term – collecting just 20 points from their 16 league matches at the Riazor.
6.28pmIn terms of what is to come for Deportivo – they will travel to Eibar this weekend, before welcoming struggling Getafe on May 1. They will then travel to Villarreal and welcome Real Madrid in their final two fixtures. The Blue and Whites are actually only three points off the top eight and a top-half finish would represent a solid campaign for Victor Sanchez's side, who finished 16th last season.
6.32pmBarcelona, meanwhile, simply cannot afford another defeat tonight. When Enrique's side thumped Getafe 6-0 at home on March 12, it did appear that they would breeze to another league title this season. They have only picked up one point from the last 12 available, however, and have incredibly lost their last three in La Liga – the last of which was a 2-1 defeat at home to Valencia on Sunday night.
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6.35pmThe Spanish champions were also knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by Atletico Madrid last week and it would be fair to say that alarm bells are ringing at Camp Nou. They looked on course for another treble, but the destination of the league title is now far from certain. As it stands, Barcelona sit top of the division, level on points with second-place Atletico but with a superior head-to-head record, while Real Madrid are one point off the summit in third.
6.38pmTonight, Atletico will travel to Athletic Bilbao (7.45pm UK time KO), while Real Madrid will host Villarreal in a match that we will be covering live from 8.30pm. Bilbao away is a very tough match for Atletico, but you would expect Real Madrid to win at the Bernabeu and therefore anything other than a Barcelona victory in this match would surely see them knocked off top spot tonight.
6.42pmBarcelona's long unbeaten run, which hit 39 matches, was always going to end at some point, but the fact that it came to a conclusion at home to bitter rivals Real Madrid at the start of this month would have been big blow. Enrique's side have just been unable to bounce back since that defeat – losing 1-0 at Real Sociedad on April 9, before going down 2-1 at home to Valencia last time out.
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6.45pmThat said, Barcelona are in charge of their own destiny this season and they have five extremely winnable matches left. At the weekend, they will welcome Sporting Gijon, before travelling to Real Betis on April 30. The champions then host rivals Espanyol on May 8, before ending their season away to Granada. It is simple - win all five games and Barcelona will once again lift the La Liga title.
6.48pmBarcelona have been pretty strong on their travels this season – collecting 33 points from their 16 matches and only losing three times. They have only scored 32 times away from home, however, which is dwarfed by their 56 league goals at Camp Nou this term. It is the head-to-head record that stands over goal difference in Spain, however, and Barcelona have a superior record over both Real Madrid and Atletico this season. Right, just about time for my prediction with kickoff almost upon us...
6.52pm... PREDICTION! Surely, surely Barcelona are going to end their losing run tonight. They are simply too good a team to continue on this poor run of form and I am backing them to return to Camp Nou with all the points from this match. Messi to score in a 3-1 away win tonight.
6.55pmJust a reminder of the two teams for tonight's match...
DEPOR: Manu; Laure, Sidnei, Navarro, Juanfran; Mosquera, Alex, Borges, Cani; Lucas, Riera
BARCA: Bravo; Alves, Bartra, Mascherano, Alba, Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar
6.58pmBarcelona need these three to perform tonight...
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0 minKICKOFF! Here we go then - the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Time for the football then! Can Deportivo heap more misery on Barcelona tonight? Let's find out shall we! It is the hosts that kick things off inside an atmospheric Riazor Stadium...
2 min... as expected, Barcelona have looked to gain control of the early possession here, with Deportivo settling into a shape. You get the feeling that the first goal tonight - if there is one - could be crucial.
4 minIt must be said that there is a brilliant atmosphere inside the stadium tonight as Barcelona continue to keep hold of the ball in the early exchanges. Deportivo have actually only lost nine times in the league this season and they will be tough to break down. Positive start from the away side though.
6 minJust a reminder that second-place Atletico are in action against Bilbao tonight, while Real Madrid will welcome Villarreal to the Bernabeu in a 9pm start. Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances or attacking play in the opening six minutes as both teams attempt to settle into some sort of pattern.
7 minCHANCE! Super chance for Barcelona to take the lead as Iniesta slides a fine pass into Suarez, who turns and strikes towards goal, but his effort was always wide of the post!
9 minPossession football from Barcelona as they continue to work the ball from left to right here.
10 minRiera has a go for Deportivo, but his strike from distance was always moving wide of the post.
11 minSAVE! Neymar sets up Messi inside the Deportivo box, but the Argentine's strike is pushed wide of the post by Manu. Super stop from the goalkeeper, who had to be so alert!
11 minGOAL! Deportivo 0-1 Barcelona (Suarez)
12 minBarcelona have lift-off! The visitors take the lead in the 11th minute as Suarez turns a Rakitic corner into the back of the net from close range. Not sure about the marking from the home side there!
14 minThis is much more like it from Barcelona as they continue to move the ball from left to right and Deportivo are just struggling to make their mark at the moment. Just a reminder that a win for the visitors would move them three points clear of second-place Atletico, who travel to Bilbao tonight.
16 minAnother half-chance for Barcelona as Neymar again races away before finding Messi, but the Argentine cannot escape the attention of Navarro, who stands strong to make the challenge.
19 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for Deportivo to level as Lucas picks out a stunning pass into Borges, but the midfielder can only poke the ball into the arms of Bravo from close range!
20 minCHANCES! Deportivo should be level! Bravo is scrambling around on the floor after Barcelona's defence went missing, but the home side cannot bundle the ball home from close range. Riera and Borges were both in close proximity, but neither could find a route past Bravo there.
22 minBarcelona have looked very dangerous in the final third tonight, but they are not too secure at the back and Deportivo will fancy their chances of finding the back of the net here. Super game!
24 minSuarez goes for the spectacular after being picked out by Iniesta, but the striker's over-head kick was always moving wide of the post. Neymar, Suarez and Messi all look in the mood tonight.
24 minGOAL! Deportivo 0-2 Barcelona (Suarez)
25 minBarcelona appear to be back in the groove! The away side score a second in the 24th minute as Messi finds a super pass into Suarez and the striker simply fires past Manu from close range.
27 minDeportivo look to hit back through Lucas, but the striker's effort was always moving over the crossbar. The home side just need to be careful that they do not get blown away in this first period.
30 minLittle over 15 minutes of the first period remaining and it must be said that Barcelona are very comfortable. They are currently going through a bad patch, but it does appear that the league leaders will return to winning ways tonight. Suarez will be hoping to find another hat-trick for the Catalan side.
31 minBOOKING! Cani (Deportivo) is booked for a late challenge on Neymar.
33 minNot an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but Barcelona are very comfortable as they continue to pass and probe in the final third. Deportivo are second best here.
35 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side to score a third as Alba finds Alves with a super pass and the right-back delivers into Suarez, but somehow the striker bundles it wide!
37 minMessi looks in trouble here as the Argentine takes a blow in a challenge with Laure.
38 minNot an awful lot in that, but Messi is not comfortable and it is not like the Argentine to stay down. He does rise to his feet, but I will keep a close eye on how that develops. Still 2-0 Barcelona here.
41 minYou get the feeling that Deportivo will need to score the next goal if they are to stand a chance of turning this game around. I just cannot see the home side recovering from 3-0 down. Barcelona are still a little bit dis-jointed in terms of shape, but Messi, Neymar and Suarez are firing tonight.
43 minNot an awful lot happening for the home side at the moment as they continue to struggle to make ground in the final third. To be honest, it is all very comfortable for Barcelona at the moment here.
45 minStop-start last few minutes as the referee is forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. It is quite bitty as we approach the final moments of this first 45 minutes of action.
45 min+1HALF-TIME: Deportivo 0-2 Barcelona
7.46pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Barcelona leading 2-0 courtesy of a double from Suarez. Deportivo had their moments, especially in the early stages, but Barcelona have been comfortable since scoring their second. The champions are back in the groove.
7.51pmSTATISTICS! Barcelona have dominated the possession with 70%, while they have had eight attempts - three of which were on target. Deportivo, meanwhile, hit the target with two of their seven attempts in the first 45 minutes. Just the one booking to report - Cani for Deportivo.
7.56pmBENCH WATCH! Deportivo boss Victor Sanchez has a number of attacking options on his bench tonight, with the likes of Cartabia, Fajr and Rodriguez all capable of making a difference. Barcelona, meanwhile, have usual suspects Munir, Roberto, Turan and fit-again Rafinha in reserve here.
8pmMATCH PIC!
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46 minRESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Deportivo find a route back into this match? We shall see! Barcelona resume the second 45 here...
47 min... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period gathers pace in this one.
47 minMessi searches out the run of Neymar with a chipped pass, but the ball just runs away from the Brazilian and Manu is on hand to claim. Barcelona look in the mood to add a third goal here.
47 minGOAL! Deportivo 0-3 Barcelona (Rakitic)
48 minAnd there is the third goal! Barcelona put this game to bed in the 47th minute as Suarez delivers a wonderful pass into the path of Rakitic and the midfielder fires his volley into the back of the net!
50 minDeportivo just cannot keep the ball at the moment as Barcelona threaten a fourth, with Rakitic firing wide of the post from the edge of the box. Moments before, Neymar just stumbled inside the box.
53 minBarcelona continue to pass and probe in the final third of the field and Deportivo are finding it very difficult to stop the flow of pressure at the moment. I think that the Spanish champions are back!
53 minGOAL! Deportivo 0-4 Barcelona (Suarez)
54 minBarcelona have their fourth and Suarez has a hat-trick as Messi picks out the striker, who turns past Manu from inside the box. Inventive finish from the Uruguay international and Barcelona are cruising!
56 minDeportivo threaten as Begantinos delivers a low cross from the right, but Bartra is on hand to make the clearance and the visitors can break down-field. Deportivo need their home supporters at the moment as they face the possibility of taking a hiding here with still more than 30 minutes left!
58 minDEPORTIVO SUB! Fajr replaces Navarro for the home side.
58 minBARCELONA SUB! Sergi Roberto replaces Iniesta in Barcelona's first change.
59 minDEPORTIVO SUB! Fede replaces Cani as Deportivo make another change.
61 minAnother half-chance for away side as Neymar races away before setting the ball back to Messi, but Laure is across to make the clearance. The home side break down the other end and Bravo is needed to keep out a strike from Perez, who has once again been Deportivo's best player tonight.
64 minGOAL! Deportivo 0-5 Barcelona (Suarez)
65 minBarcelona have their fifth of the match and Suarez has his fourth as the striker turns home from close range after a smart pass from Neymar. Laure blocked Suarez's initial effort, but the Uruguay international had the time to slot the ball home. It is getting a bit embarrassing for Deportivo here.
68 minDeportivo just cannot keep the ball at the moment as Barcelona pass and probe in the final third. It would be fair to say that the Spanish champions are back in the groove with tonight's result!
70 minCHANCE! Golden chance for Deportivo to register as Laure picks out Lucas Perez with a wonderful cross from the right, but the striker somehow misses the target - wow!
71 minDEPORTIVO SUB! Gutierrez replaces Borges for Deportivo.
71 minBARCELONA SUB! Adriano takes the place of Alba for Barcelona.
72 minBARCELONA SUB! Rafinha replaces Busquets for the away team.
73 minGOAL! Deportivo 0-6 Barcelona (Messi)
74 minBarcelona have their sixth of the night and Messi has his first as the Argentine turns home from close range after smart work from Suarez. Not sure about the home side's defending there!
76 minCHANCE! Jonas has a super chance to register for Deportivo after another smart cross from Laure, but the attacker can only place his header over the crossbar. Still 6-0 here.
79 minGOAL! Deportivo 0-7 Barcelona (Bartra)
80 minBarcelona have their seventh of the night as Barta races through the heart of the Deportivo defence before picking out the bottom corner from close range. It is so bad from the home side.
81 minGOAL! Deportivo 0-8 Barcelona (Neymar)
82 minNeymar turns a Suarez cross home from close range and Barcelona have eight here!
84 minDeportivo continue to have strikes towards goal, but Fajr finds the stands from distance.
86 minJust a reminder that Barcelona are currently in the middle of a crisis. Some crisis this!
89 minPossession football from Barcelona as they continue to search for a ninth goal. The visitors have been very good tonight, but Deportivo have been so poor, there is no getting away from that.
90 min+1FULL-TIME: Deportivo 0-8 Barcelona
8.47pmThe referee puts Deportivo out of their misery as Barcelona run out 8-0 winners. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around for Real Madrid versus Villarreal!
