Sunday 30 April 2017 09:10, UK
Barcelona manager Luis Enrique said he was "satisfied" with what he saw during Saturday's 3-0 win over local rivals Espanyol.
The pressure was firmly back on Barca in the evening kick-off after Real had beaten Valencia 2-1 at the Bernabeu with a late goal from Marcelo.
However, the visitors produced the required response against their city opponents as Luis Suarez latched onto a stray backpass to break the deadlock early in the second half.
Ivan Rakitic wrapped things up with 15 minutes left before Suarez added a third after more shambolic defending from the hosts.
Barcelona, who emerged victorious from El Clasico last weekend, moved back level on points with Real Madrid, but top the table on head-to-head record, although having played a match more than their title rivals.
Overall, Luis Enrique was happy with the way his side eventually broke down a stubborn Espanyol team.
"I think we read the game well, although there are always things we can improve, and I'm satisfied with what I saw," he told a post-match press conference.
"If you play the first half like that, with rhythm and intensity, you tire out your opponent, that then gave us a chance in the second half to find more space.
"We were able to take advantage of a miscue to go ahead on the scoreboard, and the rhythm, I believe, benefited us.
"Even though it might seem we played much better in the second half than in the first, I was very happy with the team's performance in the first half, and I think this is a well-deserved victory.
"The team was mature enough to know how to identify all the phases of the game."
Espanyol manager Quique Sanchez Flores felt gifting Barcelona the opening goal had undone all of their hard defensive work.
"The players made a brutal effort and I think we were within the game which we had imagined," he told the club's official website.
"Football is a game of errors and has given a situation that has harmed us, but is part of the game. We are annoyed, but tomorrow we will be better."
Sanchez Flores added: "We have 50 points and many reasons to be happy, we will learn from the mistakes that will make us grow."
