Barcelona bounced back from a shock 3-1 defeat to Levante by beating Celta Vigo 4-1, with Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick. Sergio Busquets then sealed the win with a strike into the corner with five minutes remaining.
When he spoke to reporters in his post-match press conference after the game, Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde heaped praise on Messi after the forward scored a hat-trick for Blaugrana against Celta on Saturday night.
“It’s impossible not to depend on Messi. That’s how it works. He lights up everything. Today we were fluent and he scored three times.” Valverde said.
“It is an advantage that we have, that our opponents fear and that is fine. When we win, we all win. Those who play are many, besides Leo. Everyone does their job.
“With Leo, anything is possible. Taking freekicks is something that he’s mastered to perfection. Because of this, the opponent can’t commit fouls on the edge of their own box. If they do, we try to take advantage. Messi, apart from scoring goals, has a commitment to the game,” Valverde added.
After Real Madrid had beaten Eibar 4-0 earlier in the day, Barcelona moved back to the top of La Liga on goal difference after 12 games, and they will travel to Leganes on November 23 before meeting Bundesliga clubs Borussia Dortmund at home in the Champions League clash.
“We will take the opportunity to rest. Some players leave, others stay, but after this break come very strong matches in which we play a lot.” Valverde said.
Barcelona have won 3, drawn one and lost only one of their games in last five La Liga’s matches this season and the defending champion are hoping to extend their superb run in domestic.
