Xavi and Mascherano happy with performance

Captain Xavi Hernández was clearly happy with the team’s performance against Eibar, explaining after the game: “I’m very satisfied. It was a good game overall. It was hard work to start with, but the first goal made it easier and we ended up enjoying ourselves”.

Xavi insisted that the team’s record of clean sheets is a result of the team’s good performances as a whole, whilst looking forward to Tuesday’s game against Ajax, which he insisted could be decisive: “after the slip up in Paris, we have to take the three points”.

Mascherano happy in midfield role

“I’m very happy to have played in the middle. I enjoyed it and it’s quite a while since I’ve played in that role for Barça. Everyone knows their role here and I’m here to help wherever I play”

“We’re happy with the win, though after a victory you also need to look at things that need improving too. The fact that we didn’t score till the second half shows that we can be patient. We are playing with intensity throughout and that means that the other team get tired – we don’t need to desperately chase a goal”.

 “The pressure against Madrid is always the same – we’ll be playing our big rival though we mustn’t forget Atletico either. We thought they would slip up last year, but they took the title in the end”.

 “The most important game is always the next one, because if you win, that changes the next one. We need to win against Ajax and go into the next game with confidence”