Barcelona have opened a 10-point gap at the top of LaLiga, following their 4-1 victory over Real Betis on Sunday.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring with a free kick and added the second before the break after a brilliant Luis Suarez assist.
He completed his treble late on with an exquisite chip, after Suarez and Loren Moron had exchanged goals.
The third Messi strike killed off any late hopes of a Betis comeback.
Barca now have 66 points, with eight fixtures left.
Atletico Madrid, who lost 2-0 at Athletic Bilbao, are in third place with 56 points.
Real Madrid bounced back after their recent slump, with a 2-0 win over Celta Vigo. They are third with 54 points.
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