Rafael Marquez (4), Samuel Eto'o (6, 18), Lionel Messi (8), Eidur Gudjohnsen (28) and Thierry Henry (73) all scored in Barca's big win. Maxi Rodriguez scored Atletico's only goal of the game on 13 minutes.

As soon as the fourth minute, Marquez headed the hosts' first goal after rising well to meet Xavi's corner.

Two minutes later Eto'o added Barca's second from the spot after a Tomas Ujfalusi foul on Messi.

Atletico were well taken by surprise and couldn’t react properly when Messi was once again allowed a long run before scoring Barcelona's third goal.

Five minutes later Barca's defense was caught napping and Maxi Rodriguez took full advantage by curling a beautiful shot from 25 yards out.

But Barcelona weren’t done yet and a brilliant Xavi through pass allowed Eto'o to add his personal second after easily taking on Ujfalusi and keeper Gregory Coupet.

Josip Guardiola's team scored a fifth after Andres Iniesta's left footed effort bounced off the post only to find Gudjohnsen unguarded, and the Icelandic tapped in the empty net.

The second half wasn’t as eventful as the first. With a four-goal lead Barca, were more relaxed and Atletico looked as if they gave up on the game.

However, substitute Henry had the chance to put his mark on 73 minutes. The Frenchman capped a nice exchange of passes between Xavi and Bojan with a powerfully curled shot to wrap up Braca's emphatic win.

In another game, Villareal came back from a one goal down to beat Real Betis at the Madrigal.

A double minute salvo from Joseba Llorente and Gonzalo Rodriguez on 68 and 70 minutes cancelled out Damia's early strike for the visitors.

The win leaves the Yellow Submarine top of the league three points ahead of Barcelona in second.

Both teams played one more game over third placed Valencia who will play Valladolid on Sunday.

Watch the match's goals