#match aftermath

Lionel Messi 8′ (Assist Arda Turan)

Lionel Messi 14′ (Assist Luis Suarez)

Lionel Messi 56′

Neymar 81′ (Assist Luis Suarez)

LUIS ENRIQUE POST-MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE:

On Messi:

“What Messi is doing will last as long as he wants it to. The fact that he can outdo himself day after day is tied to his personality as the number one player in the world, and as a player who is not just unique, but once-in-a-lifetime. But above all, his team-oriented outlook motivates him year after year. All he wants to do is win titles and help the team; at the same time, on an individual level, his objective is to keep breaking records. For Barça fans it’s a pleasure for him to keep doing it.”

On Granada:

“They tried to impose their approach. They tried to pressure us with some of their more dangerous players but today we didn’t really give them much of a chance.”

On Barça’s play:

“Regardless of the opponent, I think we would have won anyway. We kept up the intensity all game long and I thought my players looked good.”

On dividing up playing time:

“My idea is to dole out the minutes because, for me, all of the players are important. We need everyone to help and to perform.”

“Once again, I want our team to make it to the end of the season in the best condition possible.”

On some of his individual players:

“Aleix Vidal has brought us freshness and energy…He’s adapting well to the system. He doesn’t turn the ball over and he makes key passes.”

“Sergi Roberto can do a lot of things, like with defensive work, he can open up on the wings. He’s a key player who’ll be vital here at Barça in the coming years."

PLAYERS POST-MATCH COMMENTS:

Aleix Vidal:

"These games are demanding, we managed to come out on top and justice has been done."

"Arda and I have tried to adapt ourselves to the maximum. Over the last seven months we have worked hard for when it came time to play.”

Dani Alves:

"The team played with fluidity and had scoring chances. We deserved the three points."

"We leave happy today because we enjoyed the game. We always try to have fun and let the fans enjoy it. Some days are tough and others not so much."

"Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan have adapted very well to our play. It is obvious that they need more minutes. They feel better each day, and we're here to help them feel at ease."

"Messi has had a great year, and he'll probably win the Ballon d'Or."

"We have a big lead in the Copa del Rey and we'll try to make it to the next round, which is our goal."

TEAM NEWS AND FACTS:

Arda Turan has managed his first FC Barcelona assist against Granada.

This was FC Barcelona’s 9th Clean sheet this season.

Lionel Messi scored his first Liga Hattrick this season.

Neymar and Luis Suarez are now tied in first place for the pichichi race after Neymar scored the 4th goal today against Granada, both players have now scored 15 Liga Goals.

Luis Enrique will not be attending Monday’s Ballon D’Or award Ceremony, as he declared in his post-match press conference.

FC Barcelona have now won all 22 matches versus Granada at Camp Nou all-time. 

Today’s victory is also Barça’s ninth in their last ten home games in La Liga this season. 

There were 70,720 people at the Camp Nou today.

Sergi Roberto had the most number of tackles in the match, 7, winning all of them.

Sergi Roberto has played in 6 different positions in the 23 matches he has played so far this season: 6 matches as an RB, 13 matches as a LCM/RCM, 3 matches as a LW/RW and 1 match as a CDM.

The Camp Nou stood by Gerard Pique and Dani Alves after everything that has happened after the Copa del Rey

FC BARCELONA’S UPCOMING MATCHES:

RCD Espanyol - FC Barcelona

Copa del Rey - 1/8 2nd leg Wed 01/13/2016 21:00 PM CET

FC Barcelona - Athletic Club

League - Round 20 Sun 01/17/2016 20:30 PM CET

Málaga CF - FC Barcelona

League - Round 21 Sat 01/23/2016 16:00 PM CET

FC Barcelona - Atlético de Madrid

Lionel Messi 13’ (assist Andres Iniesta) | Felipe Caicedo 9’ (assist Asensio)

Lionel Messi 44’ (fk)

Gerard Pique 49’ (assist Lionel Messi)

Neymar 88’ (assist Lionel Messi)

LUIS ENRIQUE POST MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE:

On Espanyol:

“They defended well.”

On how the game unfolded:

“There were moments when the rhythm of the game was too fast for our liking.”

“We reached our objective regarding what we wanted out of the game.”

“It’s normal to have a lot of pressure because we have a special rivalry, but you have to look at it in a positive light.”

On the second leg:

“Despite all this, we’re going to Cornellà to win, because the tie isn’t over.”

On the debuts of Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal:

“I liked both of them.”

“Arda provides solutions when we have the ball.”

“Aleix got some very good minutes. He didn’t get many but he’ll show us how good he is as the season goes on.”

On Andrés Iniesta:

“Iniesta has unique field vision, Xavi being the lone exception.”

“He can get assists, recover the ball and he has a fantastic idea of what football is. He’s one of a kind.”

“He’s magic.”

PLAYERS POST MATCH COMMENTS:

Gerard Pique

“We came out with a good result and now have to think about Granada. Derbis are intense and their style of playing is pushing it to the limits. There are referees like the other day who allow that kind of play and there are others who don’t, like tonight’s referee.”

“Espanyol fans are a marvelous minority, I hope in the return leg they at least fill the stadium not like the other day when it was not.”

“The expulsions influenced the game despite us winning 3-1.The tie is not over but we go out with a good result. Anything can happen in a cup tie, let me remind you of the 4-0 loss in Getafe, after winning 5-2 here.”

“Arda and Aleix? I think they played really well despite being 6 months without playing. They will be two very important players for the remainder of the season and will bring a lot to the team." 

“Leo helped a lot by opening the scoring and from there we were able to score more goals.” 

Sergio Busquets:

“It’s really important for Aleix and Arda to be able to play with us. They were good even if it was obvious they have to get back up to game speed.”

“It was an intense game with a bot of confrontation. But I don’t think there was anything outlandish.”

“What happens on the field stays on the field.”

Andres Iniesta:

“A derby is always a different game, intense, but we played with the necessary intensity.”

“We’re really happy for Arda and Aleix. From now on they’ll be able to help the team achieve our year-end objectives.”

Aleix Vidal:

“I’ve been waiting a long time for this day and it finally happened.”

“We’re very thankful for the way people appreciate the effort we made while awaiting the expiration of the [FIFA] sanction.”

“This was not an easy game to make a debut. I think Arda was up to the task. I came out when the game was more locked up.”

TEAM NEWS AND FACTS:

Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal made their FC Barcelona debuts, with Arda Turan playing 67 minutes and Aleix Vidal playing 23 minutes.

Lionel Messi 36′ (Assist Neymar)

Luis Suarez 49′ (Assist Busquets)

Luis Suarez 69′ (Assist Neymar)

LUIS ENRIQUE POST MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE:

“In football the future is uncertain. What is clear is that it is more and more difficult to win trophies. We are very happy.” 

 “The level we were at today, any team would have had difficulty with us,” 

“If they have shown anything it is their hunger to win trophies.” 

“Just a few days ago Messi had renal colic and eight days ago Neymar suffered a slight injury and both have taken part [against River]. Messi could barely stand up but he still wanted to play in the semi-final.”

On Messi: “He is a leader, we all know that, he is our reference point. But that the players with most weight in the dressing room are the first to show their desire to compete and win is a motivation to the rest.”

On River Plate: “They competed well, they were brave. They are a well-organised team and Gallardo is an excellent coach. They were always in the game.”

LUIS SUAREZ POST MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE:

“The most important thing was to win the title.”

“They knew how to create pressure well and broke down our game a lot.”

“The team made huge sacrifices to come into this game in the right condition”

“Our next target is to make sure that our level doesn’t drop off. Because we still hope to win a lot more trophies.”

PLAYERS POST MATCH COMMENTS  (Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Neymar, Luis Suarez,Dani Alves)

JOSEP MARIA BARTOMEU POST-MATCH COMMENTS: 

“It’s spectacular what we have achieved, and playing at this high level. The team has a system and idea that does not change.” 

“This team has been at the top of world football since the arrival of Ronaldinho.”

“The motivation is always there, and when you enjoy what you do, success follows.”

“River Plate fought until the end, they played with courage but Barça are very tough to beat. Whoever the opponent, the team plays at a high standard and Leo Messi is the best player in the history of football.”

“We hope that 2016 is as successful as this year, with fewer injuries. Now it’s time to enjoy the festivities."

JAVIER MASCHERANO POST MATCH COMMENTS:

“It was very difficult for me. It’s not easy to isolate yourself from your opponent. But this is our profession.”

“A loss like this does not change anything in this Club’s history. I liked the way they competed. They were intense and put a lot of pressure on us.”

“We were superior despite River having had many chances in the 1st half.

TEAM NEWS AND FACTS:

FC Barcelona has become the only Club to have won the FIFA Club World Cup 3 times.

Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and Dani Alves are now the only players to have won the FIFA Club World Cup 3 times.

Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta are now the players with most trophies in the Club’s history.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are now the co-top scorers in the CWC, with 5 goals each.

Gerard Pique has surpassed Cafu and has become the 2nd most decorated defender in history, with 26 titles.

FC Barcelona won the FIFA Fair play award.

The FIFA CWC best players: Luis Suarez (Golden Ball), Lionel Messi (Silver Ball), Andres Iniesta (Bronze Ball).

Luis Suarez won the FIFA E-Auto award for the CWC top scorer.

Sergio Busquets suffered a knock during the match, and is doubtful for the match between Catalunya and Euskadi, and his recovery will determine his availability for the match against Betis on December 30th.

The team will return to Barcelona on Monday but will not be back to training until December 26th, to start preparing for the match against Betis.

FC Barcelona has won its second quintuple in its history.

FC BARCELONA’S UPCOMING MATCHES:

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 30TH, AT 20:30 PM CET, 17TH ROUND OF LA LIGA

FC Barcelona vs Real Betis

SATURDAY JANUARY 2ND, AT 16:00 PM CET, 18TH ROUND OF LA LIGA

Lionel Messi 39′ (freekick)                  | Lucas Pérez 76′

Ivan Rakitic 61′ (assist Lionel Messi) | Álex Bergantiños 85′ (assist Lucas Perez)

LUIS ENRIQUE POST-MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE:

On Deportivo’s approach:

“Tactically it was a very different game from what we are accustomed to. They put three players up high to create pressure and went with a seven on seven game in their half. We had everything under control until the thirty-minute mark of the second half.”

“Deportivo had a brave strategy and in the end the result shows that it worked out for them.”

On not letting up:

“It just goes to show that games aren’t over even when you are up 2–0.”

“It isn’t the result that we deserved but it shows that we have to be plugged in for all 90 minutes.”

“I didn’t see any of my players sit back and relax.”

On when and why the game slipped away:

“When it’s 2–1 the opponent feels braver and with a better chance. We had a great chance to make it 3–1 with Munir, that could have closed out the game, but that’s the way it is.”

“It was under control because we were good defensively until the last fifteen minutes.”

On whether the substitutions affected the outcome:

“Yes, maybe we did expect more from our substitutions. I do like making changes, and it depends on how I see the game. That’s on me.”

PLAYERS POST-MATCH REACTIONS:

Ivan Rakitic

Chicharito 23′ (assist Hakan Calhanglu)  |  Lionel Messi 20′ (assist Ivan Rakitic) 

LUIS ENRIQUE POST-MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE:

“I felt positive about our performance. I wanted to give the players who have played the most minutes a rest and I saw good signs from us against a team that really had to win.” 

“This is like a masters course in ESADE Business School. I am happy with the performance of the players from the B team who have featured today. At times we were overrun by our opponents but I leave happy.”

On ter Stegen: “Marc was spectacular, really solid and he gave the appearance of dominating the goal area, this performance encourages him.”

“In the last 16 we'll face whoever we're lucky enough to be drawn with.”

On Neymar: “We’ll see how this injury carries out, and what the doctors say when we get to Barcelona. We hope that he recovers well, sooner or later will be decided by his own evolution”

“It’s never a good news when you lose a player to injury, other evaluations to be done will be discussed in private with people from the Club, the ones who I need to speak to.”

On Samper: “He suffered a bit in the first half, but he was very good in the second half, this match will encourages him, a good test for him, although he has to continue evolving.”

Santi Mina 86′ (A: Paco Alcacer) | Luis Suarez 59′ (A Lionel Messi)

LUIS ENRIQUE POST-MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE:

“I have no complaints about the team, we put in a complete performance at a very tough ground.”

“Valencia were very good in defense and they made the most of the great piece of play by Alcácer and the great finish from Mina.”

“We did not have too many problems with them on the counter, our football brought us reward for all the effort we put in.”

“We have quality players and they know just how difficult it is to score goals. We tried to close it out but we could not do it. In one counter they scored, I think we could have won but then that is the beauty of football.”

"The difficulty is in coming up against a team who sit back and is strong. We had chances, especially in the first half. We lacked the ability to finish that we normally have. I am happy with the ambition and the attitude from my team in the game."

On Leo Messi

"I think he looked good, like the rest of the team. He is getting better and better physically, coming back to his best. He is key and indispensable. It's only normal in order to get back to 100%."

On Valencia

"After seeing them I think they are one of the best team in the league, on an individual level and a team one. I was not surprised at how good they were today."

On the incident between Suarez and Abdennour:

“I haven’t seen the play yet, the match just ended. I’m good but not that good, I’m not McGiver. I have fairly enough to do with managing the craziness on the pitch”

PLAYERS POST MATCH REACTIONS:

Sergio Busquets:

“Valencia defended very well. They scored on us and we didn’t have enough time to turn things around on the scoreboard.”

“This draw is not a step backwards. We’re still leaders and if we keep playing this way we’re sure to win more games.”

“Valencia played back on defence, but we were good. We were better than them but we didn’t put the game away and that was a bit of a problem.”

Andres Iniesta:

“We have played a great match in all concepts of the game, but we lacked the most difficult part, the finishing. It was a  very good match.”

“When you kill the match, anything can happen until the final whistle, we have many chances to widen the score, but I leave with the good match that the team played on a ground such as The Mestalla”

“We are still on top, leaders.”

“It would be nice to end the year with five trophies,if Barça manages to win the Club World Cup.”

Ivan Rakitic:

“That’s football, the equalizer came from a counter in a match in which we had better and we deserved win. We had the three points by hand, we have only needed to score the second goal and leave everything clear, but sometimes these things happen, it’s football. The most important thing is the idea, the way we played and we have to keep going like this.”

“What’s important is creating scoring opportunities, if we didn’t have those, then we would be talking about them, but we did create chances. They are not always interpreted into goals,but we have to continue like this.”

“Leo just came back from a very important injury, he had two scoring chances, we have 100% confidence in him, he is our most important player.”  

“I haven’t seen anything yet. But knowing Luis, I can’t imagine it. They are two strong players who happen to clash.”

Luis Suarez:

“ I stepped on his foot unintentionally, and then I apologized. He complained to linesman about his foot first, then about his hand. I had no idea...”

About silencing the fans:

“It was because they were starting to sing, a normal thing in football”

On his goal from Messi’s pass:

“They told me I was offside, but my job is to continue running and score.”

“The game leaves a bitter taste in your mouth because we had it, we had a lot of good chances, and we let two points get away.”

“We played a good game and we have to keep working to win games.”

TEAM FACTS AND NEWS:

Javier Mascherano played his 250th game as a Barcelona player. The games are broken down to 150 in La Liga, 54 in the Champions League, 34 in the Copa del Rey, 8 in the Spanish Super Cup, 2 in the UEFA Super Cup and 2 in the Club World Cup. Winning 11 titles in those matches.

FCB are still on their unbeaten streak that started after October 3rd (against Sevilla). Winning 9 (6 Liga, 3 CL, 1 Copa) and drawing 2 (1 Liga,1 Copa).

Claudio Bravo’s unbeaten streak ended at 526 minutes, after conceding the equalizing goal from Valencia in the 86th minute.

MSN have scored 44 goals so far this season

Luis Suárez has now scored in eight consecutive matches. After his goal tonight, Suarez makes it to 19 goals scored this season in all competitions,with Neymar scoring 16 and Messi scoring 9.

Messi Suarez and Neymar have a combined goal tally of 126 goals scored in 2015.

Andrés Iniesta (105), Javier Mascherano (97) and Sergio Busquets (93) completed the most passes in the match.

Suárez’s strike is Barça’s 25th of 34 league goals scored this campaign which have come in the second half.

Neymar Jr completed eight dribbles against Valencia, one less than Leo Messi against Athletic Club which is the current record in the league this season.

Dani Alves 3′                                     | J.F.G Blanquez 28′ Sandro Ramirez 20′, 30′, 67′             | Munir el Haddadi 49′,74′                    |

TEAM NEWS AND FACTS:

The Members Solidarity Day at the Camp Nou on occasion of the Copa del Rey round of 32 second leg between FC Barcelona and CF Villanovense drew 67,703 spectators to the stadium, the best attendance in the five years that the scheme has been running.  The wonderful response has much to do with the efforts of 200 collaborating organisations, who distributed invitations to the game to 1,500 different groups of beneficiaries – making the day a wonderful celebration of solidarity, with a host of adults and children able to experience a night out watching their team in action at the Camp Nou. Another factor that helped to boost attendance was the earlier kick-off at 8.00pm local time, which is much more convenient, especially for people that have to travel from outside the city. The attendances for the first five editions of the Solidarity Day are as follows:

2011 L’Hospitalet (Thursday 22 December, 22.00) 56,480 spectators

2012 Alavés (Wednesday 28 November, 21.30) 57,655 spectators

2013 Cartagena (Wednesday 18 December, 22.00) 47,280 spectators

2014 Huesca (Tuesday 16 December, 22.00) 44,844 spectators

2015 Villanovense (Wednesday 2 December. 20.00) 67,703 spectators

Jeremy Mathieu was injured in the 80th minute, and had to leave the pitch, FCB played the last 10 minutes with 10 men

Munir and Sandro got back on the scoring sheet with a brace and hat-trick, respectfully

7 La Masia players ended the match, 6 started it.

Dani Alves scored his first goal this season

Aitor Cantalapiedra made his debut at the Camp Nou

LUIS ENRIQUE POST MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE

“It was a game in which the team responded and the crowd did too,”

“Sandro has always been a goalscorer. I am happy with the performances of both players. They have to improve in many areas but they are young and I see them with the right attitude to do that.”

“I understand the players on the subs’ bench were not warmed up. I look after the health of my players, Villanovense have been a worthy rival and we had to give everything to get through the tie,” 

5TH MEMBER SOLIDARITY DAY

“I want to thank the Club for Member Solidarity Day and all those who came to the stadium.”

THE ABSENCE OF LEO MESSI

“Messi played 30 minutes in the Bernabéu, 90 against Roma and 90 against Real Sociedad, I didn’t want to overload him. We decided it was for the best and we considered it the best for the team.”

THE COPA DEL REY

“It’s an attractive competitive for all the teams. It could be more attractive but it’s a great trophy and the final is one of the best games that you can play in.”

PLAYERS’ POST MATCH COMMENTS:

Sandro Ramirez:

“I needed a night like this, I really wanted to score” s

“I’m very happy on a personal level to have got three goals. But I’m also happy with the job that the whole team did. We were intense and hungry right from the start”

“We have to keep working. Because we’ve got a difficult game on Saturday against a great team”

Jordi Masip:

“Alves’ goal was very important to boost our confidence from the start”

“Competition is healthy and good for us all. Everyone has shown tonight that they’re on very good form. I’m learning a lot from them every day”

“The boss doesn’t give us any clues as to who he’s picking for games in the Copa del Rey. All I can do is keep working hard to make things difficult for him”

“We have a very broad squad. We have a lot of players that deserve to get playing time. We’ve shown that today”

“They’ll stop us one day, but the team is enjoying a very sweet moment. We hope this great run of play and results goes on for a very long time”

Aitor Cantalapiedra:

“I’ve dreamed of my debut at the Camp Nou since I was a little kid. I never imagined that the dream would come true”

“The team’s attitude is always to score goals and keep putting pressure on the opposition.”

FCB’S UPCOMING MATCHES:

Valencia vs FC Barcelona, Saturday December 5th 2015, away, Mestalla, Valencia, at 20:30 PM CET,in the 14th round of La Liga.

1-0 Neymar min 22’ (assist Dani Alves) 2-0 Luis Suarez min 41’ (assist Dani Alves) 3-0 Neymar min 53’ (assist Jeremy Mathieu) 4-0 Lionel Messi min 90+1’ (assist Neymar)

FACTS:

FC Barcelona has so far played 7 games at the Camp Nou, in La Liga, winning all 7, 21/21 points.

Neymar raised his tally to 14 Liga goals, Luis Suarez raised his to 12 Liga goals and they are both at the top of the pichichi race.

Leo Messi scored his fourth La Liga goal, after coming back from his injury last week, his last Liga goal was against Levante at the Camp Nou.

Messi added Real Sociedad to the list of teams who have conceded 10+ goals from him, after scoring today Barcelona’s 4th goal.

Messi played his 600th career match.

MSN have so far scored 125 goals.

Out of the 33 goals scored by FCB in La Liga this season, MSN have scored 30, with the other 3 being scored by Vermaelen, Bartra and Iniesta, meaning MSN have scored 90.9% of FCB’s Liga goals.

Gerard Pique played his 200th La Liga match as an FC Barcelona player.

Claudio Bravo has gone 440 minutes so far without conceding a goal.

With 33 points, Barcelona have improved Last year’s 13-round-points-record with 11 Wins 2 Losses and 0 Draws, compared to last  season’s 10 Wins 2 Losses 1 Draw.

The team has so far score 33 goals in La Liga and conceded 12, with a goal difference of +21 goals.

Lionel Messi received FC Barcelona’s player of the year award, the 6th edition of the Aldo Rovira award, for the 4th time. 

Luis Enrique Post-match press conference:

“It was Eusebio’s second game, against a team with outstanding football and an outstanding mentality.”

 “In a game like today, if we had taken a ‘let’s see’ attitude, we would have had problems.”

“Real Sociedad made things tough for us, even if the scoreboard says otherwise. It was a difficult game,”

“The team is in great form. I always expect that the best is yet to come.”

“We have to be able to rotate players. We came off two high-intensity games with three-days rest, and we had to be able to spread out the minutes.”

On the Trident: 

“They have this thing where if they don’t all score, it’s as if the party is incomplete for them.”

“The players are very smart and they know there’s a long way to go. No team has ever won the league in November. We have some tough games coming and the Club World Cup in the immediate future. We’re going step by step.”

On adding Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal:

“We can tell that the month of January is coming. They’re two new pickups who know our model to perfection.”

Players’post-match comments:

Neymar:

“The team is in top form, which we like, but we can always get better” 

“I am very happy for everything I am experiencing together with my teammates.” 

“It’s true I was trying to find Messi so that he could score. He helps us a lot off the pitch.”

“I am very happy when Suarez and Messi score, and they are happy when I score.”

“We were expecting a Real like that, pressing well and playing the way they did. We came out well and we got the victory, which is what’s important.”

“I know that my father usually talks about my future. We are negotiating my contract renewal, because renewing my contract with Barcelona is my intention.”

Javier Mascherano:

`“We knew Real were going to be like that. Eusebio likes to press up high and play attacking football.”

“Our opponents forced us to play a game where we were sharp on the outlet.”

“The beginning of the season was normal for us. We had a lot of players who came back five or six days before play began. With the passing of time, the team has been picking up the habits and the form we had last season, while our difference-makers have also been getting back in form.”

“If you have players like Leo, Suárez and Neymar, who create goals all by themselves, that’s a bonus. The feeling that the three share is obvious on the pitch, how they get along in the team. The Ego issue is very important, and it’s difficult to find it within those three figures, they know how to manage their egos very well for the good of the team.”

Andres Iniesta:

“We can continue to grow. Even though there is a lot left in the season and we’re happy with the way things are going, but without getting ahead of ourselves.”

“I don’t think Leo needs to score to feel something different. For us he’s the number one whether he scores or not. The important thing is that the players are motivated and well, and that’s Leo’s case.”

On being compared to Xavi:

“Each player is different and has his own characteristics and functions. When a footballer is doing well, he still wants to do more things and feel more important as much as possible. This is my role or function within the team. I always simplify it to the form or positive feelings of each player . I feel good and in the pitch I am happy with what I doing.”

Dani Alves:

“We didn’t give up any goals and that gives us confidence.”

“While the victories come and we do things the right way, as a team, it doesn’t matter who scores the goals.”

“We have to look for equilibrium and reach our objectives without letting all the praise go to our heads.”

On MSN:

“They always look for each other, the objective is for them to come out of the match happy, and they are happy when they score. All three of them eventually have managed to score, And that makes us happy for a job well done.”

“It doesn’t matter who scores or assists,we are all a team, if we all do well, we all go out happy with our job.”

Standings so far after tonight’s match:

FC Barcelona 33 points

Atletico Madrid 29 points

Real Madrid (-1) 24 points

Villarreal (-1) 21 points

Celta (-1) 21 points

Eibar (-1) 20 points

Valencia (-1) 19 points

Deportivo (-1) 18 points

Betis 18 points

Athletic Bilbao (-1) 17 points

Espanyol 16 points

Sevilla (-1) 15 points

Rayo Vallecano (-1) 14 points

Real Sociedad 12 points

Sporting Gijón (-1) 12 points

Getafe (-1) 11 points

Granada (-1) 10 points

Las Palmas (-1) 10 points

Levante 10 points

Málaga (-1) 9 points

The Race for the Pichichi:

Neymar (FCB) 14

Luis Suárez (FCB) 12

Imanol Agirretxe (RSO) 9

Javi Guerra (Rayo) 8

Rubén Castro (Betis) 8

Lucas (Deportivo) 8

Cristiano Ronaldo (RMCF) 8

Nolito (Celta) 7

Aritz Aduriz (Bilbao) 7

Karim Benzema (RMCF) 6

Borja (Eibar) 6

Antoine Griezmann (ATM)6

Iago Aspas (Celta) 6

Paco Alcacer (Valencia) 6

15 Kevin Gameiro (Sevilla) 5

Cédric Bakambu (Villarreal) 4

Lionel Messi (FCB) 4

Hernán Pérez (Espanyol) 4

Deyverson (Levante) 4

Daniel Parejo (Valencia) 4

FC BARCELONA’S NEXT MATCH: