Brazilian midfielder Edmilson has recently questioned his teammates' unity, prompting manager Frank Rijkaard to publicly criticize him.

However, they put Recreativo to the sword to put these troubled days behind them.

Argentina defender Gabriel Milito broke the deadlock six minutes past the hour mark when he superbly headed a corner into the back of the net.

Youngster Bojan Krkic added the second two minutes later after he controlled Thierry Henry's low cross and tricked his marker before slotting a low shot home.

Argentinean sensation Lionel Messi, who was unlucky not to score earlier in the game, put the icing on the cake nine minutes from time after converting a penalty.

The Catalans became second in the league table with 27 points, one adrift of leaders Real Madrid, who play Real Murcia later on Saturday.