Barça host in-form Villarreal later today knowing that a win will leave them still five points adrift of leaders Real Madrid, who put their midweek Champions League disappointment behind them by beating fifth-placed Espanyol 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu last night.

International exile Raúl notched his 200th Liga goal to clinch the points, dusting himself down to convert a 73rd minute penalty after being brought down in the box by Daniel Jarque.

The home side were made to come from behind, however, after some shocking defending left Valdo in acres of space at the back post to give the visitors an unlikely lead at the half-hour mark.

Higuain levelled the score two minutes before the interval, sliding in at the far post to score with his knee after the Catalans failed to deal with Marcelo's dangerous cross in from the left.

In yesterday's other game, Atlético Madrid were beaten on their travels by troubled Real Zaragoza, who are on their fourth manager of the season following the resignation of Javier Irureta last Monday after just six games in charge.

Saturday, 8th March
Real Madrid 2-1 Espanyol
Real Zaragoza 2-1 Atletico Madrid

Liga table, 8th March 
1  Real Madrid  62*
2  Barcelona  54
3  Villarreal  47
4  Atletico Madrid  44*
5  Espanyol  42*
6  Racing Santander  41
7  Sevilla  39
8  Almeria  37
9  Valencia  35
10 Getafe  33
11 Real Betis  10  
12 Real Zaragoza  32*
13 Real Mallorca  31
14 Real Valladolid  31
15 Osasuna  30
16 Athletic Bilbao  30
17 Deportivo La Coruna  30
18 Recreativo Huelva  29
19 Murcia  23
20 Levante  19
*played 27, the rest have played 26

Sunday, 9th March
Athletic Bilbao vs Valladolid
Mallorca vs Recreativo Huelva
Murcia vs Getafe
Osasuna vs Almeria
Racing Santander vs Real Betis
Sevilla vs Levante
Valencia vs Deportivo La Coruna
Barcelona vs Villarreal