Barca hand out warning to Chelsea

BARCELONA extended their first division lead to seven points with a 2-0 win over Real Mallorca, as their rivals Real Madrid crashed 2-0 at home to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

The Catalan club’s win was a boost to their confidence ahead of their Champions League clash with Premiership leaders Chelsea on Wednesday.

“What was pleasing about this match was that we showed our true mental qualities. Mallorca was never going to be an easy game even though they are close to the bottom of the table,” said Barca coach Frank Rijkaard. “Even at 2-0 I couldn’t relax but we battled and concentrated.”