The 4-0 victory restored Barca's six-point lead at the top of the Primera Liga with five games left to play. Real Madrid had narrowed the gap to three by coming from behind to beat Villarreal 2-1 in dramatic style on Saturday.

"More than the 4-0 scoreline, the most important effect of our win is the psychological blow," the Brazilian told reporters.

"It was important to beat Malaga, but we cannot afford to relax as we have to continue winning games because we are not champions yet."

Two goals from Ludovic Giuly and one apiece for Oleguer and Gerard helped erase the bitter memory of last season's 5-1 humbling in Malaga and moved Barca another step closer to their first league title in six years.

Real's match-winner on Saturday, Michel Salgado, remained upbeat about his side's chances of overhauling the leaders, however, as he focused on the title run-in.

"We have failed to cut the gap in the last couple of games, but looking ahead Barca have to play three matches away from home and I'm sure they will lose two of them," Salgado told the Real Madrid website.

"We have to complete our obligations of course, and continue winning games to keep the dream alive."

Barcelona face away games against last year's champions Valencia, Levante and Real Sociedad.