MADRID (AFP) - Barcelona flushed the demoralising Real Madrid defeat out of their system on Saturday as goals from Rafael Marquez and Samuel Eto'o clinched a 2-0 win at Real Mallorca.

The win closed the gap on Real Madrid at the top to four points but the defending champions have a game in hand and face Real Zaragoza on Sunday.

Barcelona were desperate for the three points after losing 'El Classico' to Real on December 23 and they started 2008 on a positive note with only their third away win of the season.

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.

"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."

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.

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 brace after eight and 36 minutes with Valdo adding another in a first half goal blitz.

"I have ten goals but it is not just about me it is the good work of the team," said Tamudo.

"I think we have a fantastic team here and we showed that by dominating a very good team like Villarreal."

Espanyol stay a point behind their illustrious neighbours Barca who omitted Deco and Thierry Henry from the starting line-up with Iceland's Eidur Gudjohnsen starting in midfield.

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

Mallorca made the early running and they almost took an early lead when Daniel Guiza whistled a shot centimetres past the post on eight minutes.

For all their eye-pleasing passing 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 provided the unlikely breakthrough rising unmarked to head home a corner on 54 minutes.

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