Barca close gap on leaders Madrid

BARCELONA, Spain -- Second-placed Barcelona kept up the pressure on Spanish leaders Real Madrid with a 3-0 win at home to Recreativo Huelva on Saturday.

Real now have only a two-point advantage after being held 1-1 away to Real Murcia, with Guti sent off in the second half as his side's frustrations boiled over.

Frank Rijkaard's Barcelona side clinched a seventh successive league victory at the Nou Camp, with all the goals coming in the second half.

Defender Gabriel Milito powered home a header to score the opener in the 64th minute from a corner, then substitute Bojan Krkic doubled the lead two minutes later.

The 17-year-old, who is being tipped for an international call-up by Spain, stylishly took Thierry Henry's pass and fired his shot into the corner.

Argentina forward Lionel Messi made up for two earlier misses when he added the third from the penalty spot in the 81st minute after being brought down in the area, and he scored his eighth goal of the season.

Tempers flared when the Recreativo players refused to kick the ball out when Barcelona's Andres Iniesta went down with an injury.

Iniesta started in place of Ronaldinho, who was rested after playing two World Cup qualifiers in the past week, while Eidur Gudjohnsen also had a rare chance to feature in midfield.

Real took the lead after just eight minutes when Brazil forward Robinho headed home at the far post following a cross by Guti.

However, Enrique De Lucas levelled with a header of his own four minutes after half-time and Spain international Guti was red-carded for kicking out with seven minutes to play.

In Saturday's other match, Sevilla slumped to a seventh defeat this season with a 2-1 home reverse against 10-man Real Mallorca.

The UEFA Cup holders were 2-0 down before striker Fredi Kanoute scored four minutes after half-time.

On Sunday, third-placed Villarreal -- level on 27 points with Barcelona -- take on Almeria.

Osasuna host Espanyol, Athletic Bilbao play Deportivo La Coruna, Racing Santander face fourth-placed Valencia, Atletico Madrid play Valladolid, Levante are at home to Real Betis and Zaragoza are up against Getafe. E-mail to a friend

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