While lauding the performance of star forward, Barca coach Luis Enrique also singled out midfielder Denis; says he was vital in the attack from which Messi scored in 2-1 win against Sevilla
Messi celebrates after scoring a goal vs Sevilla on Sunday.Pic/AFP
Madrid: Coach Luis Enrique felt the manner of Barcelona’s victory at Sevilla could only strengthen their bid to retain the Spanish league title.
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Sevilla looked set to make it six wins from six at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in the current La Liga campaign when Vitolo applied the finish to a slick counter-attack in the 15th minute.
Barcelona’s attacking threat was well nullified until Lionel Messi found space to side-foot home an equaliser from the edge of the box and the Argentinian turned provider in the second period for Luis Suarez’s winner after an hour’s play.
The 2-1 result meant Barca remain two points behind Real Madrid after 11 rounds of matches, and with a fortnight now until the next installment because of the international break.
Enrique told reporters at a press conference: “Comeback victories strengthen us, especially when you get them at a team that’s unbeaten (at home). Now the players go away with their national teams and we hope they return unscathed.”
The game always promised to be open and it was a thrilling spectacle, which Enrique insisted had even been enjoyable for him as a coach. “It was a beautiful game with both teams wanting to attack and take risks,” he added.
“Our opponent got ahead of us but later we were able to solve the threat. I was very pleased with the development of the game. We came back from conceding. We put in an excellent second half and we deserved to kill the game off earlier,” he said.
Enrique lauded the performance of Messi but also singled out Denis Suarez for praise. He was instrumental in sparking the attack from which Messi scored, when up to that point Barcelona had been unable to create anything at all.
“The ability of Messi to interpret anything is commendable,” he said.
“Lionel Messi was very good, but there were a lot of other players who also understood the importance of this game. It pleases me to highlight Denis Suarez. He always responds to the chances he gets even when he only has a few minutes. That is the attitude we want from all our players. The hope is that he remains like this. He is a great example of what it is to be a professional.”
Sevilla coach Jorge Sampaoli said his team had lost because they were not “forceful” enough.
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