Barcelona edge closer to leaders

MADRID, Spain -- Barcelona made a positive start to 2008 when goals from Rafael Marquez and Samuel Eto'o gave them a 2-0 win at Real Mallorca and putting them within four points of league leaders Real Madrid..

Having lost 'El Classico' to Real on December 23 Barcelona were desperate to start the new year strongly and Mexican international defender Marquez broke the deadlock nine minutes into the second half before Cameroon striker Eto'o -- soon to depart for the African Cup of Nations -- wrapped up the points in the final minute.

Barcelona's next match is on Wednesday when they face holders Sevilla in the last 16 first leg tie in the King's Cup.

After a fantastic 2007 Real start the new year at home to Real Zaragoza on Sunday aiming to restore their seven-point lead and maintain their flawless home record.

"We have to start this year like we finished the last and that is winning matches," said Real coach Bernd Schuster.

"We have to continue our strong form at the Bernabeu where we have not dropped a single point."

Without Deco or Thierry Henry starting for Barcelona, Icelander Eidur Gudjohnsen began in midfield.

Teenage Mexican prodigy Giovani dos Santos started in attack with Ronaldinho still out injured.

Mallorca almost took an early lead when Daniel Guiza shot just wide after eight minutes.

Barcelona looked impotent and a dragged shot from Andres Iniesta was their best effort in the opening half hour.

Fellow Spanish international Xavi then went close but his shot flashed over the bar.

Marquez broke through when he rose unmarked to head home a corner after 54 minutes.

Substitute Henry thought he had netted in the final quarter hour but his effort was ruled out for offside but Eto'o struck in the dying seconds.

"There has been a lot of criticism coming our way and you have to work hard and show a positive reaction which we have done today," said Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard.

"We showed a great attitude in the face of this criticism. We tried to follow our philosophy of playing good attacking football but at this stage of the season results are what count.

"The circumstances were difficult trying to get the rhythm back after a break but it was a complicated game that we managed to come through."

It was a good night for Catalan clubs with Espanyol taking a giant stride towards the Champions League courtesy of a 3-0 victory over rivals Villarreal.

Espanyol stay third but are now four points ahead of fourth-placed Villarreal who are starting to tail off after a spell leading the standings.

Raul Tamudo went into double figures for the season with a double after eight and 36 minutes with Valdo adding another in a first half goal blitz. E-mail to a friend