Barcelona gained ground on Real Madrid in La Liga on Sunday, with a victory against Sevilla at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, 2-0.

Xavi got the Catalans on the board in the 18th minute with a curling free-kick that Andres Palop got his hand on, but not enough to prevent it from going in the net.

Seven minutes later, Lionel Messi scored a dazzling goal, as the magical Argentine weaved through the Sevilla defender for a left-footed chip shot that gave Barcelona the two-goal advantage.

Sevilla had chances to score, but simply couldn't execute. Barcelona took 17 shots with nine on goal, while Sevilla took 12 shots with two on target. Barcelona controlled possession for 59 percent of the match.

Barcelona remain in second place in La Liga, but are now only eight points behind Real Madrid, who managed only a draw at home on Sunday.

Here are the highlights from Barcelona - Sevilla:

FC Barcelone 2 - 0 FC Séville by warrant

Real Madrid Lionel Messi Real Madrid Lionel Messi