Barcelona coach Valverde expressed his contentment with the win and called it a ‘fundamental game’.
Ernesto Valverde (Photo: AFP)
Luiz Suarez and Lionel Messi found the back of the net in the 72nd and 83rd minute, respectively, as FC Barcelona defeated Villarreal 2-0, claiming three points to remain five ahead of Valencia at the top of the La Liga.
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde expressed his contentment with the win and called it a ‘fundamental game’ for the boys.
“It was a fundamental game for us and very difficult at a great rival. We know how hard it is to take the three points in this stadium,” Valverde said in the post-match press conference.
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“Villarreal played well, they didn’t leave spaces and threatened us with their counterattack, but we have achieved a victory of great value,” the 53-year-old Spanish football manager added.
Valverde said the win helped Barcelona regain confidence as they earlier managed to draw at Mestalla and against Celta at the Camp Nou.
The Blaugrana coach credited Jordi Alba for Messi’s 83rd minute stellar goal, terming the pair a ‘life insurance’ for the Spanish side.
“Jordi Alba-Messi connections are life insurance for the team. It’s one of our weapons and we use it very well. They understand each other well in attack, and the arrival of Jordi Alba is so unexpected by the rival that it helps us a lot,” Valverde added.
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