Scoring first has calming effect, says Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic

Ivan Rakitic has been instrumental in controlling the midfield for Barcelona

Barcelona, April 19 (IANS): Spanish club FC Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has expressed delight at his team's 2-0 win over Valencia, saying it was important to score first since it helped us calm down.

"We are very happy about the big win and the game, but we still have six games and we have to work a lot," Rakitic was quoted as saying on Saturday on Barcelona's official television.

"It isn't easy to beat Valencia. It was very important to score first as it helped us calm down," he said.

Barcelona are currently leading the La Liga standings with 78 points (25 wins from 32 games). Real Madrid in second position with 76 points (25 wins from 32 games). Defending champions Atletico Madrid are third-placed with 69 points (21 wins from 32 games).

The Croatian stressed on the importance of the victory.

"Valencia are a team that has gotten stronger throughout this season and have a very detail-oriented coach," he said.

While Rakitic offered praise to Saturday's opponents, he stressed that Barcelona "dominated more in the second half and deserved the victory."

"We are where we wanted to be – leading the league with a good advantage in the Champions League quarter-finals and already in the Spanish Cup final," Rakitic said.

He also said he's very happy with the club and hopes to complete his first year with the team on a high note.