MADRID - Leaders Barcelona had Gerard Pique and Rafael Marquez sent off before completing a 2-1 victory over Getafe in Liga on Saturday and moving eight points clear of chasing Real Madrid. Pique was shown a straight red card in the 25th minute for a wild challenge on Rafa Lopez. Marquez walked at the end after bundling over Kepa for a last-minute penalty scored by Getafe's Roberto Soldado. But the game was effectively over by then. Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the seventh minute and broke away to set up Xavi for the decider in the 67th as Barca continued to create the clearer chances despite a numerical disadvantage. The champions moved on to 55 points from 21 games, putting the pressure on second-placed Real, who were playing Espanyol at home in the late game. Earlier, Valencia spoiled Onesimo Sanchez's debut as Real Valladolid coach, winning 2-0 to stay third with 42 points. Struggling Valladolid, who are 17th, sacked Jose Luis Mendilibar on Monday but the change failed to spark an immediate revival in their fortunes at the Mestalla. Ever Banega was at the centre of most of Valencia's best moves and cracked in a fierce drive for the opener after eight minutes. The Argentine midfielder then crossed for David Villa to head his 15th league goal of the campaign in the 29th. The hosts squandered several more chances after the break.
