In a resounding win that reaffirmed their title credentials, Barcelona beat Deportivo La Coruna 8-0 putting an end to their run of poor form in an emphatic manner. Catalan defender Marc Bartra, praised the team’s performance and hailed the psychological impact it had on the team.
Bartra, who has graduated from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy complimented his team’s dominating display saying, “I can be happy for the team and personally. [The performance] comes at the right time because this was a game that arrived when our rivals were catching us up, and we've not only won three points but also psychologically stamped our authority on the table.”
He added that the players should be happy after also keeping a clean sheet in a resounding performance.
The 25-year-old center back took his chance well in what was only his fourth start for the club this season. He scored Barca’s seventh goal after intercepting the ball inside the Deportivo half, beating three defenders and the goalkeeper with a fine effort.
Speaking of his goal, Bartra said, “When I come forward like this, I always try to help the team. I was looking to make a pass, but gradually the space, opened up in front of me. Ultimately, I'm very happy and pleased because I think that when these things work, everything comes together."
‘Grateful to everyone’
The defender has not been a regular starter in the first team this season with defenders Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano being picked before him. He appreciated the opportunity given to him on Wednesday and was grateful to the people who had supported him throughout.
He said, "I am very grateful to all my people, the people who are with me, my family and friends because they help me when things aren't going so well."
In what was a dominating performance by the Catalan club, striker Luis Suarez looked to be at his deadly best, scoring four goals and providing three assists. Captain Lionel Messi scored one goal and gave two assists. Ivan Rakitic, Neymar, and Bartra scored one goal each.
The win gained the Cules an essential three points which kept them out of reach of Liga rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid who won both their respective matches last night. Atletico and Barcelona are equal on points but Barca lead due to their better head to head record.
Real Madrid are a close third only one point behind the league leaders with 78 points.
