Barcelona blasted Alaves 7-1 yesterday and gave their coach, Louis Van Gaal, a stay of execution as the reigning champions rekindled their Spanish title hopes.

Yesterday's win put the Catalan club in sixth place on 25 points, four behind leaders Mallorca, who slipped to a shock 1-0 defeat at bottom club Extremadura.

Van Gaal, the target of fan abuse after a disastrous start to the season, was relieved as Luis Enrique, Rivaldo and Oscar all scored twice.

Portuguese star Luis Figo scored the other Barca goal. Alaves' goal came from a first-half penalty from Pablo Gomez.

Mallorca, however, remained top on 29 points despite their defeat but saw the pressure mount as second-placed Celta Vigo moved to within a point after crushing Real Oviedo 6-2.

Mallorca's fate was sealed when goalkeeper Carlos Roa fumbled a free-kick and Extremadura's Carlos Dure netted after 30 minutes.

Vigo's heroes were Israeli striker Michael Haim Revivo and Bulgaria's Lubo Penev, who both netted twice, with Valery Karpin and Juan Gines Sanchez also on target.

Valencia are third, level on points with Vigo, after Saturday's 2-0 home win over Real Sociedad.

Struggling European champions Real Madrid, meanwhile, thrashed lowly Tenerife 4-0, with two goals from Raul and Hierro and Savio sealing the win.

That moved Real up to seventh with 25 points, still behind Barcelona on goal difference.