An early Robert Lewandowski goal and a quick-fire double from Pedri got the job done for the Blaugrana.

The result moved Barcelona to 82 points, four points above Girona, which won 3-1 away at Valencia.

Champion Real Madrid is 12 points above Barca with one more round of games left.

Barca took the lead in the third minute when Lamine Yamal, on his 50th appearance, cut in from the right wing and chipped the ball to Lewandowski, who expertly controlled the pass with his chest and volleyed home.

Although Rayo had their chances to level, Barcelona doubled its lead with some magical footwork from Joao Felix who saw his shot saved but Pedri managed to score from the rebound to give the home side a two-goal cushion.

Barely three minutes later, Pedri spotted a gap in Rayo's high defensive line and he was put through on goal with a long ball from centre-back Ronald Araujo, allowing the 21-year-old to fire home and double his goal tally for the season.

Barca will finish its season away at Sevilla next weekend while Rayo, which is 16th, hosts Athletic Bilbao.