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Victory at Sevilla strengthens Barcelona's La Liga title defence, says Luis Enrique

Barcelona's coach Luis Enrique looks on before during the Spanish league football match Sevilla FC vs FC Barcelona at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in
Image: Luis Enrique was delighted with Barcelona's win over Sevilla

Luis Enrique felt the manner of Barcelona's victory at Sevilla could only strengthen their bid to retain the La Liga title.

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 means Barca remain two points behind Real Madrid after 11 rounds of matches, and with a fortnight now until the next instalment because of the international break.

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (C) celebrates with Barcelona's Brazilian forward Neymar
Image: Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (C) celebrates with Neymar

Enrique told reporters at his post-match 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.

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Sevilla midfielder Samir Nasri (L) vies with Barcelona's Brazilian forward Neymar
Image: Sevilla midfielder Samir Nasri (L) vies with Barcelona's Neymar

"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."

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.

Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Sevilla FC vs FC Barcelona
Image: Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring Barca's equaliser

"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."

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