Madrid - Fans of Spanish football giants Barcelona are confident that their team can stay top of La Liga for the rest of the season, according to an online poll organized by Catalan daily Sport.

Sport asked its readers, most of whom are Barca fans, the question "Will Barca maintain the lead until the end of the season.'"

By Monday afternoon, 71 per cent of readers had voted "yes", with only 29 per cent voting "no".

Josep Guardiola's slick side are the form team of Europe at the moment, having won their last 11 matches in all competitions.

On Saturday they romped to a 4-1 win away to midtable Malaga, and are now at the top of La Liga. Barca have 20 points from nine games, one point more than second-placed Villarreal, and two points ahead of Real Madrid and Valencia. (dpa)