League leaders Barcelona threw down the gauntlet to their main rivals for the Spanish title, and pushed Real Sociedad closer to relegation, with a 2-0 win over the Basque side on Saturday.
Spanish international playmaker Andres Iniesta and Samuel Eto'o, last season's top scorer in the Spanish first division, got second half goals to edge the Catalan club closer to their third successive La Liga crown.
"This was an important victory not just because we stay on top of the league but also after our recent bad results away from home," said Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard, whose team now have a four point lead with five games to go.
Rijkaard was well aware that Barca had lost four of their last five away trips prior to their win on Saturday, which has left the door open for their nearest rivals Sevilla and Real Madrid.
"What also pleased me was the way we played. Every player deserves a hug to celebrate this victory," Rijkaard said.
Nevertheless, the Dutchman will know in his heart that despite his diplomatic words the main plaudits should go Ronaldinho whose vision and creativity made both the Barca goals.
After dominating the first half, Iniesta ended the deadlock barely a minute after the break.
Ronaldinho showed just why he has twice been voted as the World Player of the Year with an outstanding pass from just outside his own box, the Brazilian spotting that Iniesta was lurking unmarked on the edge of the opposition area.
The midfield playmaker ran onto the long pass and then went around Sociedad goalkeeper Claudio Bravo before slotting the ball home.
Barcelona nearly went further ahead just after the hour but Eto'o was judged to be offside and last season's top scorer in the Spanish first division had his goal annulled.
Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho also nearly added to the Barca tally before Eto'o notched up his 10th goal of the season two minutes from the whistle.
Ronaldinho provided a defense-splitting pass for Eto'o to latch on to and the Cameroon striker made no mistake with his shot.
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